General Produce.

My long association with and interest in the export of New Zealand produce must be my excuse for devoting a portion of my time in advocating the excellence of our increasing shipments of wool, frozen meat, and dairy produce. Knowing that the ravages of the rinderpest in South Africa was diminishing the meat-supply of that country, and learning that Cape Town had just begun to import frozen meat, I called upon the principal importers of frozen meat and dairy produce in that city. After a very lengthy interview, I was surprised to hear that Victorian shippers were supplying merino mutton at 3d. per pound, c.i.f., and that an offer of 2¾d. per pound had then been made by cable for future supplies. The duty of 2d. per pound limited the consumption in Cape Town, but heavy consignments were going forward under bond to Johannesberg, where the duty was only 7½ per cent, ad valorem.

New cold-storage was then being erected at Durban, Natal, for the reception of frozen meat landed at that port.

The shipping facilities extended by the Government in Victoria have assisted shippers in availing themselves of the new outlet in South Africa, the freight contracts for frozen meat and dairy produce to London embracing delivery at all ports of call without extra charge.