Sessional_Paper_1886-1887 — Page 234

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SIR,

Kew Gardens to Colonial Office.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW,

14th August, 1886.

I have the honour to report, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that considerable interest has been awakened in regard to Tropical and other fruits, by the display of fruits in the several Courts at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition; and by the sale of fresh fruit in the Colonial Market attached to this Exhibition.

2. The fact that excellent fruits, such as oranges, lemons, pears, apples, &c., can be obtained in a fresh state from the Southern Hemisphere (Natal, Australia, &c.) at a time when fruits of this kind are not obtainable in the Northern Hemisphere, has suggested the idea that the resources of our Colonial Possessions in this respect are capable of great expansion, and the subject one well worthy of being thoroughly investigated.

3. The abundant character and the high qualities of the Tropical fruits of the West Indies are well known; but it was only the other day (on the occasion of a lecture which I gave at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition) that many people realized that these fruits can be brought to England in a fresh state. and are capable of contributing largely to the food supply of the inhabitants of these Islands.

4. The fruit trade in the West India Islands is now of the estimated annual value of £750,000; but if suitable markets were forthcoming and knowledge enlarged on the subject, there is no reason why this trade should not assume such proportions as would go a good way towards relieving the depression under which these Islands are at present labouring.

5. As regards the actual capabilities in this direction of other portions of the Empire, and especially of the Cape and Australian Colonies, little is accurately known at home; and hence I would venture to suggest that inquiry be made and a summary of information published calculated to draw particular attention to the subject.

6. I enclose herewith a number of questions which I have submitted to Mr. Thiselton Dyer; and I am directed by him to convey his approval of them, and to suggest that a copy of these questions be forwarded to each of the Colonial Governments, with the request that the information desired be supplied as fully as possible, together with copies of any official reports, documents, or returns published in the Colonies directly or indirectly bearing upon the subject.

The Honble. R. H. MEADE, C.B., Colonial Office, Downing Street.

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I have, &c.,

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D. MORRIS.

INFORMATION RESPECTING COLONIAL FRUITS.

1. Please give a list (giving both local and scientific names) of the chief fruits grown in the Colony, in order of importance.

2. During what months are the chief fruits obtainable? What quantities of each (approximately) are available for export, and what are the wholesale prices locally?

3. What fruits are at present exported (1) in a fresh or (2) in a preserved state? Please state the destination, the quantity, and the estimated value of each

sort.

4. Are all or any of the fruits mentioned above capable of being produced in much larger quantities than at present? If so, what steps are necessary to start or develop a fruit trade; and what inducements, if any, do local men specially desire to open or extend a trade in fresh or preserved fruits, either with the mother country or neighbouring States?

5. What fruits are now imported into the Colony, either fresh or preserved ? Please state kind, quantity, and value, and the market from whence derived.

6. Please add any special points of interest connected with the fruits of the Colony herein reported upon, which are desirable to place on record.