THE TARIFF COMMISSION.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9020, 5 February 1895, Page 6

THE TARIFF COMMISSION.

(PBESS ASSOCIATION TBLKGBAM.) WELUNGTON, February 4. The Tariff Commission opened its sittings at the Parliamentary Buildings at 11 o'clock this morning. The Hon.' .Major Steward was in ' the cifair, and Messrs..W., Hutchison and Tanner were present. After the formal Commission was read,, telegrams were read from the absent Commissioners, Messrs T. McKenzie, Stevens and McGowan. Mr McKenziestated owing to the short notice it was- impoeaible for him to be present at the opening, but he was leaving Balclutha to-day. Mr McGowan was on his-way from Auckland, and Mr Stevens would arrive by to-day's train. Mr Dathie, the other Commissioner, is on hie way to England. The Commission adjourned till three o'clock this afternoon, when the question of admitting the Press to the proceedings will be decided. This question was informally discussed this morning, but left for final decision "until a quorum is present. It was decided to advertise in the VYeliington papers announcing that the Commission will be glad to receive information from persons interested in the tariff! With a view to simplifying /the ; work - of; the Commission, the , subjects on which evidence will be taken will be classified, and it ia assumed that the* public will assist the Commission to get its labours into order. Mr Bdssell, of the Hansard staff, will act as shorthand writer to the Commission. It is thought probable that the proceedings will be open to the Press. The Tariff Commission resumed at 3 o'clock this afternoon, Mr Stevens being present and making up a quorum. Mr Glasgow, the Secretary of Customs, was in attendance. ' MajorjSte ward said it was now for the decide whether its proceedings-should?be open' to th« Press. As an old journalist he, personally, favoured every publioity, but it must be remembered that some evidence might come before the ■ Commisaion which it would nob be desirable< to make public. Mr Hutchison said he was strongly in favour of entire publicity in this matter. He could hardly •ec-how any.interests could be prejudiced by the publication of the evidence in the newspapers.>.-If a witness did not desire to have his evidence published, the Press reporters could retire-while he was being examined; but he (Mr Hutchison) would put the onus on the person objecting to have his evidence published, and not on the Commission. Mr Stevens completely concurred with the view expressed by Mr Hutchison. They were going into a very large' public question, and one on which the public had a right to every - information. Mr Tanner could not agree with the views of the other Commissioners on this matter. - If . the evidence were published they would have men coming before the Commission in large centres simply with a view of advertising their businesses, while others would refuse to give evidence if it was to be published in the papers. He could not vote for the admission of the Press, but would like to see the Secretary supply a brief report of the proceedings from day to' day. Major Steward pointed out that two of the Commission were still absent. He tvtnght it would be advisable to leave the finai decision of the question until they arrived. He certainly could not see that the publication of the evidence from day to day would do any harm. Mr Glasgow said, as far as bis department was there was no objection to the publication of the evidence from day to day. It was decided to postpone the vot* on the question until the other Commissioners were present; the Press, in the meantime, to be admitted. Mr Glasgow announced that he would travel round the colony with the Commission. At 3.45, the Commission, adjourned till 10 mari to-morrow, ivlnn tc\er*l j extent *iU|;iv« »vi ;».v',