370
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
developed in a most remarkable manner of recent years. Carefully-selected specimens of the diamonds found in the mines of Griqualand West were also exhibited, and the mineral wealth of South Africa was well represented by a beautiful nugget of Transvaal gold, by coal from Queenstown, copper ore from Namaqualand, manganese ore from Welling- ton, and cobalt ore from the Transvaal.

The Educational Class was also well filled with maps, drawings, specimens of printing and bookbinding, and interesting ethnological studies.

Perhaps one of the most striking exhibits from the colonies was the representation made by Her Majesty's dependencies at the antipodes. Australia and New Zealand have advanced with great strides since the last Exhibition in Paris. These provinces of the Empire, with a population of over two and a half millions, have an external commerce exceeding ninety millions a year, the greater part of which is with Great Britain and her dependencies. It is not, therefore, surprising that the enterprise of these colonies should have brought them prominently for- ward at this international competition, and that each made a creditable display of its own products and ndustry.

New South Wales, the oldest Australian Colony, exhibited the magnitude of her natural resources in her splendid display of wool, for which she gained a grand prix; in her display of coal, with which she supplies the countries of the Pacific; for her scien- tific display of mineralogical and natural history collections by Professor Liversedge; and for the excellence of her varied branches of manufactures.

The Hon. Edward Combes, M.P., C.M.G., late Minister for Public Works, the Executive Commis- sioner for New South Wales, remained in continuous care of the exhibits of this important colony during the whole period of the Exhibition.

The energy and industry of the colonists of Vic- toria is remarkably shown by the great number and varied character of her exhibits. Representations of the enormous wealth attained through her gold discoveries are only evidences of the future riches which will accrue to her from the encouragement of her industrial resources. Wools, woollen fabrics, silk, wines, carriages, preserved meats and provisions, and almost every branch of industry was here represented.

The Hon. J. J. Casey, M.P, C.M.G., President of the Victoria Commission, superintended the arrange- ment of the collections sent from his colony until his return to Victoria, after which his duties were performed by Mr. G. Collins Levey, C.M.G, the Secretary to the Commission.

The great natural resources of South Australia are shown by her exhibits of wheat, wool, gold, copper, wine, and oil. South Australia, as on some former occasions, received the highest award for her mag- nificent collection of wheat and a gold medal for flour. The granary of Australia, she also furnishes to the mother-country some of the finest description of grain. For her merino wool, amongst other prizes, a gold medal was awarded. The exhibits of gold and of native and manufactured copper attracted considerable attention and received suitable awards, whilst the wines and oil shown give promise of a rich reward to capitalists and labour. Mr. Josiah Boothby, C.M.G., Under Secretary to the Govern- ment of South Australia, ably represented the colony throughout.

Queensland has shown the variety and magnitude of her resources in a display of wool, sugar, minerals, pearl shell, and other articles of indigenous produce, which secured a large number of awards.

Queensland was represented by Mr. A. Macalister, C.M.G., Chairman of the Commission, the Agent- General in London, and by Mr. A. Hodgson, C.M.G.

Western Australia exhibited a small collection of general products, but was exceedingly important in its splendid exhibit of Jarrah-Jarrah and other forest timber not surpassed for its imperishable qualities, and which is obtainable in great abundance. The exhibits of this colony were placed under the charge of the Secretary of the Royal Commission.

New Zealand, represented by Mr. T. P. Russell, sent only a small collection.

The International Juries have placed on record the merits of the above-mentioned colonial exhibitions by the number and importance of the medals and honorary rewards voted, which far exceed those granted at any previous exhibition.

The youngest of our British possessions, the Fiji Islands, was awarded several gold medals for the quality of its cotton.

Of the Eastern colonies, Ceylon sent the finest collection of produce, native manufactures, and jewellery ever yet exhibited. These were arranged by Sir Charles P. Layard, K.C.M.G.

The Straits Settlements, for the first time since their establishment as a separate colonial Govern- ment, made an interesting representative col- lection. Mauritius, with its dependencies, the Seychelles Islands, represented by Mr. Gustave Adam, Mr. Alphonse Lucas, and Mr. Edward Elias, obtained relatively the highest awards in general, and especially for the article upon which the industry of their populations is concentrated, and the only grand prize awarded to cane sugars was won by Mauritius, in addition to five gold medals for the same produce, and a gold medal for vanilla.

The only West India Colonies which took part in the Exhibition were Jamaica, British Guiana, and Trinidad. The principal products shown were sugar, rum, coffee, and specimens of woods. Each of these colonies gained a considerable number of medals, indicating a fair average of excellence.

British Guiana was represented by Mr. William Walker, and Trinidad by Dr. J. Court. These ex- hibits from Western Australia, Jamaica, the Straits Settlements, and Seychelles, with British Guiana, Trinidad, and Lagos, were placed under the charge of Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, as Secretary of the Royal Commission. He has been mainly assisted by Captain Harris, Royal Engineers, whose valuable and efficient services to the colonies generally Sir Philip has never failed to bring specially under my notice, whilst, for the technical arrangements and immediate superintendence of the collection from these above- mentioned colonies, Mr. P. L. Simmonds was well qualified, by his official services at previous Exhibi- tions and his thorough knowledge of colonial pro- ducts, to bring these collections prominently before the International Juries.

Nearly all the colonies published and circulated valuable descriptive catalogues, which afforded most useful information to visitors, and these were freely distributed, with many other colonial publications of scientific or popular character.

Considering that the number of exhibitors was more limited, the colonies have carried away a larger proportion of medals than the mother-country.

Taking advantage of the presence in Paris of a number of gentlemen qualified by their personal experience to judge colonial produce, I secured the services of the following Colonial Commissioners upon the International Juries :-

The Dominion.
Mr. Thomas C. Keefer, C.E., C.M.G.
Dr. S. P. May.
Mr. Alfred Selwyn, F.R.S., F.G.S.
Mr. W. E. Archambault.