At a recent meeting of the Romney Marsh Sheepbreeders' Association, New Zealand, a very interesting letter was read from Mr H. L. Reynard, Punta Arenas, Straits of Magellan, Patagonia.

Mr Reynard said that Punta Arenas presented a fine field for the sale of New Zealand Romney sheep. There was only one thing which militated against the satisfaction of a large demand, and that was the lack of direct steam communication between New Zealand and Punta Arenas. All New Zealand products had to be taken to Monte Video and there transhipped over 3000 miles at a heavy cost in freight, etc. They considered New Zealand Romneys better than the English, because greater attention had been given to the fleece, and it was only in recent years that the Kentish farmers had paid proper attention to this important matter.

There was a good demand for draught horses, cattle, thoroughbred horses, well-bred pigs, poultry, grain, grass, and other seeds, flour, potatoes, butter, cheese, and fresh and preserved fruit, and in manufactures, harness, saddlery, waggons, and the agricultural implements, which New Zealand could supply. The Straits of Magellan should be a highway for a very considerable number of large steamships.

With regard to the first part, of this statement it may be mentioned that frequently vessels belonging to the Federal-Houlder Shire Line call at the Magellan Straits.