The President, Mr. A. Kate, said—

Gentlemen,—In rising to move the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, I realise that the events of the past year have fully borne out the hopeful and well-grounded anticipations which specially characterised the address of my predecessor in office, and which made at the time such a favourable impression on the public. Owing probably to the desire of demonstrating that our returning prosperity was an indisputable fact, greater attention and more publicity have, in the interim, been given to statistical returns, rendering it somewhat difficult to bring before you fresh figures and views that will be of use and interest; still the importance of the subject must be my excuse for possible tediousness while I seek to prove that the colony has made steady and decided progress, and emerged from that depression which has clogged the wheels of her trade for so long.

Exports.

If we further analyse these figures, we are at once struck with the extraordinary expansion of the trade in the following exports:—Wool, grain, flax, and frozen meat, which I propose to deal with seriatim.

Wool.

Some apprehension has been felt that, owing to disastrous snowstorms in the spring of the last year, more severely experienced in the Mackenzie country, and increased attention which our farmers have given to cropping, the returns for the present year (i.e., ending June) would show less favourably than usual, but the contrary is the case, as the increase of 4,699,641 lbs. in weight, and of 302,402l. in value, abundantly testify, to which must be added the 4,079,563 lbs. consumed in New Zealand mills, an increase of 100 per cent, on previous returns.

The incentive to breed crossbred sheep to meet the demands of the frozen mutton trade has happily resulted in the growers finding their page 11 returns augmented, owing to the enhanced value of this class of wool in the markets of the world.

The steady advance on the one hand, and equally steady decline on the other, is most marked, and buyers from America, Europe, and Australia, in their eagerness to overtake the increasing demand for this particular class of wool, have noted the change, and by their attendance at our local sales have materially helped to improve values.

The advantage is not likely to be a transient one, as, according to the Australasian, by a recent ruling of the United States Customs authorities as regards the classification of worsted goods, it has been decided that worsted goods will be hereafter classified as woollens, and pay duty on the higher scale, though worsted yarns will continue to come in at the old rate. The natural effect will be to stimulate the demand for very fine crossbred wools, which should be very satisfactory news to New Zealand growers.

It may not be out of place here to note that the requirements of the United States are likely to become enormous, and in view of the well-authenticated facts that the wool production there has about reached its maximum, that the consumption per head in the States is the largest in the world, their requirements for wool being more than is now being produced in the whole of Australasia in two years, it follows that that country's probable necessities are of the deepest moment in the consideration of our wool trade. So far the wool imported into the States for the enormous carpet trade has consisted chiefly of East Indian and Russian varieties, but inquiries have reached both Melbourne and New Zealand markets as to the possibilities of buyers being able to effect purchases of the rough, coarse crossbred wools carpet manufacturers require. Members will at once see what an important factor this is in the consideration of the increased cultivation of crossbred sheep; not only do they make the most profitable "freezers," but their wool is likely to find a ready outlet at remunerative prices.

Grain.

Thus it will be seen possible markets have been steadily taken advantage of with very beneficial results. It is very interesting to note the proportion of wheat exported to the United Kingdom and Australia respectively compared with last year.

Showing a wonderful expansion in this trade, especially to Australia, as, while the ratio of increase to the United Kingdom has advanced nearly times, the increase to Australia exceeds 18½ times; or, if we take the value, we find about the same proportionate advance as in the quantity sent away to the United Kingdom, but to Australia the value exported is fully 25 times more than went forward in 1887-1888. This latter feature is undoubtedly highly satisfactory, seeing that it must be to our advantage to cultivate the nearer markets of the sister colonies as often affording the best prices with the quickest returns.

It is generally admitted that the United States have about reached the maximum limit of the quantity of wheat they will annually have available for export to foreign countries; hence with the increasing population of Australia, the comparatively contracted areas in which wheat growing can be prosecuted to payable advantage, considered with the uncertainties and variableness of its climate, we may reasonably look for frequent periods when we shall have large outlets in that direction, at prices more payable than will pro- page 12 bably be found in Europe. That New Zealand is in a very superior position to meet such demands through the productiveness of her soil, is shown in the average yield of wheat per acre in the Australasian colonies for the years ending 31st March, 1874-31st March, 1889.

The fact is observed in the "Victorian Year Book" that "the average produce of wheat, oats, barley, and potatoes, is much the highest in New Zealand," and were we to add the mean for 1888-1889 we should still further distance our friendly competitors. 'Twere easy to multiply figures on the wonderful productiveness of New Zealand soil, but enough has surely been said for this occasion to show the unique position New Zealand occupies amongst these great grain communities of Australasia. And this position should be especially pleasing to us, seeing that out of the total area in cereals throughout the colony for the past year of 793,866 acres, 102,307 acres belong to Canterbury province. One of the most striking features of the year under review has been the excellent quality of the grain marketed, which should go a long way towards overcoming the prejudice that exists in some quarters against New Zealand production. Thanks to our system of farming, we ship our grain much cleaner than is the case with shipments from Australia, I or almost any part of the world; but we shall never obtain that perfection which will meet with the views of our foreign consumers, until we grade our numerous varieties into standard qualities. At the outset this would probably mean increased cost to growers, but it would undoubtedly pay in the end by the enhanced values that our I recognised standards would secure. Too much stress cannot be laid on this question of quality, I as we hear of really medium wheats being often offered in other markets as prime New Zealand I milling, which must work out detrimentally to our best interests.

Flax.

A new impetus was given to this trade by the scarcity of Manila hemp in the European and American markets, and consequent advance in the prices. This was quickly followed by large orders received in New Zealand from the United States, for binder-twine purposes. These have page 13 gone on increasing, so that the exports for the first half of the current year are larger than any whole year since 1883, viz. 6,025 tons, of the value of 132,821l., and there is every reason to believe that the demand will strengthen as the quality becomes better known and appreciated. Since the adoption of twine for binding up has become so general, considerable trade has been done in the colony in the manufacture of fibre into twine, resulting so favourably that it seems hardly reasonable to continue to import twine that can be as well made here.

Frozen Meat.

Considerable attention has naturally been directed in ascertaining to what extent this heavy drain on our flocks has affected their numerical strength. From the sheep returns for the whole colony, which are not available till fully a year after "the date to which they are compiled, we find the total number of sheep given on 31st May, 1888, as 15,042,198, as against 15,155,626, showing a decrease of 113,428 sheep. This decrease can be accounted for by the larger area devoted to crops, and to the severe culling which was practised throughout the colony owing to the dry summer of 1888, but chiefly to the largely increased export during that year.

It will be observed that there is a decrease in the flocks south of the Rangitata. This is mainly due to the heavy losses occasioned by the severe snowstorm of last spring. The pleasing side of these returns lies in the fact that North Canterbury flocks have not suffered by the weather, nor from the demand for " freezers," for we are proud of the position that North Canterbury crossbred mutton occupies to-day in the London market as being par excellence the choicest and most palatable of any frozen meat imported into the Old Country from any part of the world, and it is therefore a matter of congratulation that we have not as yet overstrained this important source of supply; and it is to be hoped that North Canterbury will long retain its premier position, which, can only be done by a strict and observant oversight on the part of those who have the selection of the sheep for the slaughter pens, so that none go forward but what are in the pink of condition. The exports of frozen meat for the colony for the first six months of the present year are 342,941 cwt., of the value of 342,398l., and satisfactory as the increase is, it would have been far greater but for the calamitous fire at the Belfast Freezing Works in December last, which, taking a low estimate, has probably diminished the number of carcases exported by fully 100,000. Taking into account the exceptional prices which have ruled in London, this possibly represents a loss of profit of 50,000l. to the district. Though the loss is so great, the accident has resulted in far more commodious and capacious stores, as well as extra engine power, being erected, with a possible annual working capacity of nearly 400,000 carcases. As a further outcome, largo works have been erected on the South line of railway at Islington, with a present working capacity of 200,000 carcases, but with accommodation for 600,000 carcases per annum, provided additional steam power be supplied; therefore the measures taken by the shipping companies to provide extra carrying capacity are well timed, so that the immediate future of this thriving industry has been thoughtfully and wisely provided for. The boom that occurred in the Home market in May-June, due to the sudden contraction of Continental supplies and the sharp advance in prices, and speedy clearance of all stocks held, indicate that the barrier of prejudice against meat frozen is gradually and surely being broken down. The long-wished-for time has come that sales are able to be made on a cost, freight, and insurance basis, whereby growers' and shippers' actual liability for loss, when once the meat is aboard and insured, ceases. Already large transactions have been completed on this basis. These facts tend to show the day is not far distant—nay, may we not say has arrived?—when this valuable commodity will be recognised as a very important factor in the meat supplies of the Old Country, as witness the reported sudden leap in prices, owing to the stoppage of supplies through the London docks strike. Time will not permit me to more than briefly refer to one or two more of the many other products which have all conduced to make up such a grand list of exports, bearing out what was well said in a leader in the Argus last year," that the immediate prosperity of New Zealand will not be from her rich coalbeds nor from her goldfields, but from page 14 wool and grain, from sheep and cattle, from the plough and the stockyard:" and this has been well borne out in the year under review.

The Dairy Industry

has contributed its quota to the increase, in the value of exports of butter to the extent of 56,178l., though cheese shows a slight decline, the season having opened well, but afterwards becoming disappointing. On 1st July there were 38 dairy factories in New Zealand, with a paid-up capital of 32,341l., and a capacity daily of 53,353 gallons. Of these factories 30 are situated in the South Island, and, being mostly fitted up with the best and latest appliances, will, I trust, continue to turn out that uniformity of colour and quality that must be strictly adhered to if we wish to retain our hold on the London and Australian markets.

Grass Seeds

(including old stocks) show an increase in export quality of 56,380 bushels, but prices have not been so favourable to growers as last year.

Timber.

The ever increasing demand, extending over the past ten years, is well worth passing notice, as, while in 1879, of sawn and hewn we exported only 5,103,189 ft., in 1883, 23,783,521 ft., the quantity in 1888 reached to 43,474,434 ft., being almost 13½ million feet more than was exported in the year ending December 1887, the extra value amounting to the respectable total of 50,000l. The wealth of our rapidly decreasing forests is such as warrants the utmost watchfulness on the part of the Government, to take such measures as will prevent or mitigate needless devastation and destruction. A pleasing feature is the opening of a direct trade with England.

Turning to

Minerals,

The decrease in imports, and the large increase in exports are healthy signs, and with the encomiums lately passed on the quality of some of our West Coast coal, every encouragement and facility should be given to enlarge and increase the output.

The gold-mines yielded for the year ending 31st March last, 208,902 ozs., as against 191,961 ozs. for the previous year, being an increase of 16,948 ozs., and with the improved system of hydraulic sluicing, together with the encouraging prospects of working the vast extent of alluvial beaches and river-beds known to exist in the colony, ground hitherto considered Valueless will be worked, probably, to the decided advantage of future yearly returns.

This has been a year remarkable for the extraordinary increase in the exports over the imports, and though in the abstract some make it a matter of argument whether this necessarily implies substantial progress, yet I am of the opinion, expressed some months back in the Melbourne Argus, that "without accepting the dogma of the balance of trade in its old restricted sense, we yet think that, where countries which are heavily indebted to other countries export more than they import, they are in a fair way." If this is a truism, then the colony has prospered indeed.

It is perhaps just as well to draw attention to the fact that the imports from Victoria and New South Wales probably include large transhipments from India and China, and should be duly allowed for. Shipping companies will probably recognise this full well. The total imports into New Zealand of 5,941,900l., show a decrease of 303,615l., probably due to the reduction in expenditure on material for public works, the stoppage of the inflow of borrowed capital, the policy of importers restricting orders to within measurable limits of prospective sales, and to the increased production stimulated by a more protective tariff. Generally, there has been a marked absence of the forced and cutting trade usually the outcome of overburdened stocks, and a noticeable presence of a steady and profitable turnover on the business carried through. The high freights that have ruled on merchandise from London to New Zealand have added materially to the landed cost, and though the present rates are somewhat lower, yet they are much higher than obtain to Australia, and our shipping companies will do well to consider the advisability of a reduction before any of the regular trade is diverted to arrive through other channels than by direct vessels. The latest returns in bankruptcies show for the colony 155 less failures than were recorded a year since. As far as Canterbury is concerned, the number of insolvents has continued steadily to decrease. In this connection it is pleasing to observe that the Bankruptcy Bill now before the House embodies many of the clauses that have been persistently advocated by this Chamber, showing page 15 that the considerable time and labour expended by the Committee has not been thrown away. If we turn for a moment to the accumulative profits made by the masses, as shown by the business done in our Savings Banks, we find there are 103,046 depositors, as against 97,496 in 1887, with a total credit amount of 2,691,692l., as against 2,407,775l., or 26l. Is. per head—all figures that exceed any previous records, showing that to a number of colonists their earnings over their expenses have been decidedly to their advantage. It is worthy of remark that 62,831 persons, or nearly three-fourths of the whole of the depositors, had sums not exceeding 20l. to their credit, leading to the conclusion that the late term of depression the colony has experienced has been such as to affect the profits of the previously rich and well-to-do members of the community in a far larger proportion than it has affected the well-being and employment of the working classes, and though these have, without question, had more or less of hard times, yet the full force and the bitterest experience has been borne by capital, and not so much by labour. Though our population, at the end of December 1888, only numbered 607,380 (exclusive of Maoris), as against 603,361 in 1887, yet the settlement of our lands has progressed at a very rapid rate, and as the tide of emigration has been against the colony, it is the opinion of the Secretary for the Crown Lauds that the new occupiers must be the sons of the older colonists; and if this very reasonable conclusion is correct, we have the very best class of men to work the soil to the best advantage. It appears that, including eighty-one selectors of small grazing runs, that 1779 selectors took up 444,742 acres under conditions binding themselves to improvements, numbers which compare very favourably with any previous year for a long time past. It is gratifying to know that the twenty-two village settlements in Canterbury have been self-supporting almost from the very beginning, and are making steady progress. The keen competition in connection with the sale of runs in Canterbury and Otago has been one of the noticeable features of the present year, and is another of the many evidences of restored confidence, as also is the eagerness displayed to secure any agricultural properties that from time to time are open to purchasers.

I have surely said enough, gentlemen, without further amplification, to satisfy the most captious critic that the year reviewed has been one of tangible progress and material realisation of the hopeful views so ardently put forth by this Chamber. As colonists, we feel like the individual who has emerged from difficulties that threatened for a somewhat prolonged unhappy period to engulf him, but who, all the time, was in a state of absolute solvency, without being confident enough to feel fully assured of it. We realise now that, with the finances of the colony clearly understood, and under the control of a master-hand; with natural resources and many reproductive works in excess of any possible national liabilities; with palpable evidences of renewed trust exhibited in the highest financial circles of the world; and with the financial burdens of personal responsibilities amongst our wool kings, our tillers of the soil, and our traders, considerably lightened by the receipt of better returns for their labours than they have ever as a whole in one year experienced before, we may well take a fresh and determined start, thus profiting by an experience only too dearly bought. Lot us avoid the blunders that have marred the colony's progress, and have taken so long to rectify, and have led to the fair name of this most beautiful and most productive of colonies being for so many years traduced by her detractors, and too lightly esteemed by many of those who, having received permanent and pecuniary benefit, have given too much credence to the cry of " wolf," and remained all too long absent from our shores. Granting the period reviewed has been exceptionally favourable to almost every interest, "what has happened may well happen again," and in any case our country has come out triumphantly though a very severe ordeal. So great is our growing importance, and so many are the links that bind us to the various centres of active business life, that we can ill afford to be cut off from all communication, as occurred but recently; and we should do all in our power to hasten the time when, by a duplicate cable to Australia, or, better still, by a direct lino to Honolulu, thence to Vancouver, we should relegate to a remote contingency the risk of a repetition of entire severance from the outer world, so painfully experienced a fortnight since.

I sometimes fear that the energy, foresight, and earnestness of purpose that must have been in our fore fathers and early settlers are woefully lacking in these latter days, otherwise the absence, or apparent absence, of deep interest in enterprising movements of a national or provincial character would not be so pronounced—e. g., the apathy shown by Canterbury in the coming New Zealand Exhibition, which of all the provinces has reaped the most benefit from the year it has been my good fortune to review. Yet how backward our people are, with a few noteworthy exceptions, in showing their thankfulness and joy by liberally contributing of their increased gains to make a splendid—no, a true and real—display of the wealth which is concentrated in so many forms around us, and which, properly represented, could not fail to be indeed splendid and striking to a degree, and might so advertise us that we should speedily have an influx of moneyed and practical immigrants, who, through their personal exertions, would fill our granaries and increase our manufactures tenfold. Having had twelve years' experience of Australia, and nearly six of New Zealand, I say without hesitation that this country will, in no distant future, owing to the conditions within its borders, come to the front with permanent prosperity. Would that words of mine could energise each member into freshness of interest and real conscious belief in facts which are so patent and indisputable, so that this highly-favoured province of ours may not have its progress retarded, but, on the contrary, be pushed ahead by intelligent and active co-operation, and our highest civic, political, commercial, agricultural, and industrial positions filled by the best men, with the greatest gifts, devoted to the advancement and development of this grand and magnificent province of Canterbury. It affords me much pleasure in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet.