86
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
| | | | |
Reference :-
C.O.885
7
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- | COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
8
GROUP VI.-FRUITS.
Taking into consideration the variety of soils and climates of this Colony adapted to the cultivation of fruits ranging from semi-tropical to low temperate classes, it is im- portant that the possibilities of our fruit trade should be prominently brought before the British consumers. So far we have but experimented in exports, but from the acreage of new orchards, &c., just coming into bearing, we must soon find markets for our surplusage.
Citrus Fruits-Citrus fruits can be grown throughout a wide range of country; therefore we should be able to supply extensive quantities of oranges, lemons, citrons, &c., of & very high quality.
Other Fruits.-Peaches, apricots, pears, apples, and a great variety of other fruits, can be
grown to perfection, and scientific and skilful improvements in cultivation, &c., promise an early and large supply.
Preserved Fruits.-Preserving and canning are being entered into by several en- terprising firms, and we anticipate that, with the double advantages of producing our own sugar, and being so favoured in climate and soil for the growth of a superior quality of fruit, a large export business in these is only the question of a year or two.
Dried Fruits-For reasons given above, dried fruits must also soon form a large source of export business.
GROUP VII-METALS AND MINERALS.
It is only necessary to mention the noble metals, with copper, lead, and tin, as all these are already fairly before the markets of the world, but tor the development of trade in any of the undermentioned, much remains to be done in encouraging the attention of the British public.
Iron-As has been often pointed out, iron must ultimately be produced from its ores in immense quantities, all the conditions, such as the proximity of the iron deposits to unlimited supplies of lime, coal, manganese, wolframi, &c., pointing to profitable returns as soon as the conditions of population and the labour market warrant the in- vestment of capital.
Other Metals, &c.-Then we have extensive deposits of mercury, titanium, molyb- denum, zinc, cobalt, chrome, sulphur, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, graphite, lignite, an- thracite, &c., almost entirely undeveloped.
Coal Coal is the most important of our earthy minerals; but this market is already being exploited with considerable ability, although the unfortunate friction between labour and what is represented as "capital" has led to our losing some impor- tant outlets for our supplies. We have still, however, a fair share of markets in the United Kingdom dependencies and other nations.
Diamonds. Other Gems.-Gems of the corundum and crystalline series occur in various parts of the Colony, and the development of mining for these may soon lead to a considerable business with British markets, especially in our Diamonds, which are said to be equal in colour and lustre to the best Brazilian gems. Rubies, Emeralds, and Opals are the other more important gems found in the Colony, and but little has been done towards developing these sources of wealth.
GROUP VIII-WINES AND BRANDIES.
Wines. Considering the possibilities of viticulture in this Colony, and the magni- tude of the demand for these throughout the world, the trade in wines and brandy is likely to assume a most important position in our list of exports. Attention has already been drawn to the superior quality of our best wines, which have met with the apprecia- tion of connoisseurs of European reputation. There is sufficient demand already 10r our best wines to warrant the investment of more capital in wine-growing and manu- facture, with the prospect of an assured market.
Brandy-Brandy of excellent quality has been made in the Colony, and the in- creasing demand is the best evidence that we are on sound ground in increasing our supply.
Some slight modification of our Distillation Act will enable distillers to operate on a large scale, and meantime the British public should be kept well advised of the superior character of our brandy when compared with the chemically-disguised white spirit which is often foisted on them by unscrupulous traders.
9
Both in wines and brandies it is always to be feared that our interests may be sacri- ficed to those of known wine-producing countries, by our best samples being credited to them, and the inferior only sold as Australian; great care will require to be exercised in preventing such being done.
GROUP IX.-TIMBERS.
Timbers. Although for many years the high quality and durability of our native hardwoods have been well known to experts in timber, we have never more than dabbled with the European markets, chielly for want of enterprise, and because the value of our timbers has never been properly represented to the general public.
At the present juncture, when the wood-paving of streets is beginning to assume national importance in Great Britain, it is imperative that the superiority of our timber for such purposes should be conspicuously presented to the proper authorities, so that a fair share of the trade can be secured by New South Wales.
It is of the utmost importance also, that demonstration be made of the other uses to which our hardwoods can be put, such as railway-sleepers, manufacture of rolling stock, waggon-building, wheelwrights' work, and, for our ornamental timbers, cabinet- making, decorative panelling, &c., &c.
This industry may fairly claim to be one of the most neglected of any, and no time should be lost in presenting our claims and pressing our goods on the markets of the United Kingdom. Such measures, therefore, as may be necessary to fully exploit the markets of the United Kingdom are urgent and imperative necessities.
TOBACCO.
Tobacco may be also mentioned as a probable source of trade, our climatic condi- tions favouring the growth of nearly all varieties. Some time will probably elapse before we can produce sufficient quantities of suitable quality, but every year will improve our prospects, and no element of success seems wanting beyond the necessary skill, which is being rapidly attained.
From the foregoing list it will be noticed that only products which can be easily prepared for export, and which have been neglected in the past, are taken into con- sideration. Enough has probably been said to emphasise the necessity of closer rela- tions between this Colony and the parent nation, equally in the interests of both. Noth- ing is wanting but application of the business acumen and readiness to invest capital in profitable enterprises so characteristic of our race to make the next decade a scason of such prosperity for New South Wales as the most sanguine could hope for.
have, &c.,
JAS. STEPHENSON,
Sydney, June 26th, 1896.
19723.
SIR,
VICTORIA.
No. 9.
Secretary, Board for Exports.
The AGENT-GENERAL FOR VICTORIA to COLONIAL OFFICE. (Received September 21, 1896.)
Victoria Office, 8, Victoria Chambers, Westminster, S.W.,
September 18, 1896.
WITH reference to Lord Selborne's letter of the 31st December last, on the subject of trade between the Colonies and the British Isles, I have the honour to inform you that, having communicated a copy to my Government, I have received a despatch in reply, of which and of its enclosures copies are subjoined.
I have, &c.,
1110
D. GILLIES.
B