H.—No. 8,

8

REPORT OE JOINT COMMITTEE.

On the motion of Mr. Murray, it was Resolved, That in consequence of the absence of the Hon. Colonel Whitmore during the remainder of the Session, the Hon. Mr. Hall be elected Chairman. On the motion of tho Hon. Mr. Stokes, it was Resolved, That the Chairman be requested to communicate with the Government, to ascertain their intentions with regard to an Exhibition of Colonial Produce to be held at Christchurch during the current year, preparatory to the Vienna Exhibition. On the motion of the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, it was Resolved, That it is desirable, for the better development of the resources and industries of the Colony, that a branch of the Geological Department, consisting of a competent staff, should be constantly employed in geological explorations throughout the Colony. Committee adjourned until Tuesday next, at 11 o'clock.

Tuesday, 24th September, 1872. Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Peesent: Legislative Council. House of Representatives. Hon. Mr. Mantell, Mr. Bathgate, Hon. Mr. Stokes. Mr. Murray, Mr. Peacock, Mr. E. Bichardson, Mr. J. Shephard. Hon. Mr. Hall in the Chair. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Letter dated Bth August, 1872, from Mr. T. A. Bird, Secretary to Canterbury Flax Association, asking Government for a donation of £200 towards an Exhibition of Flax-dressing Machines, to be held in Christchurch in December, 1872, was laid before the Committee by the Chairman, and read. Letter dated 23rd September, 1872, from Mr. Krull, Consul to the German Empire, on the subject of beetroot sugar, was laid before the Committee by the Chairman and read. The subject of an addition to the staff of the Geological Survey, with a view to the further exploration of the geological resources of the Colony being further considered, on the motion of the Hon. Mr. Mantell, it was Resolved, That, prior to the adoption of any report touching the Geological Survey Department, or any addition thereto, it is expedient that evidence as to the number and efficiency of the officers required should be taken. Haei2§ The Chairman reported that, in accordance with the directions, he had caused inquiry to be addressed to the Colonial Secretary on the subject of the proposed Exhibition at Christchurch, but had not received any answer. He had, however, ascertained through Dr. Hector, that £200 had been promised by the Government towards the expenses of such Exhibition, and that it was to comprise exhibits of wool, flax, timber, grain, tallow, preserved meats, and other Colonial raw produce, and that the best specimens of these exhibits were to be selected for transmission to the Exhibition at Vienna. The New Zealand Gazette dated 23rd September, 1872, containing a letter from the Agent-General relative to the representation of New Zealand at the Exhibition in question, and a Government notice on the above subject, were laid before the Committee, and read. On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Stokes, it was Resolved, That it is desirable that steps should be taken to have the Colony of New Zealand properly represented at the Vienna Exhibition in June next; and that, as it is proposed to hold a Competitive Exhibition of Colonial Produce at Christchurch in December, it is expedient that advantage should be taken of this Exhibition for the purpose of obtaining specimens of Colonial produce to be sent to Vienna, that a fair and reasonable contribution should be made by the Colony for the necessary expenses of the Exhibition at Christchurch. J. Shephard, Esq., M.H.E., laid on the table, for the inspection of the Committee, the following specimens obtained at Collingwood :—Two sorts of hematite paint; hematite iron ore ; prepared black lead, or plumbago ; crude graphite, or plumbago. Resolved, That Dr. Hector be requested to attend the Committee on Thursday next. Committee adjourned until Thursday next, at 1030 a.m.

Monday, 30th September, 1872. Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Legislative Council. House of Representatives. Hon. Captain Fraser, Mr. Bathgate, Hon. Mr. Mantell, Mr. Creighton, Hon. Mr. Stokes. Mr. Murray, Mr. O'Conor, Mr. J. Shephard, Mr. Taiaroa. Hon. J. Hall in the Chair. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Dr. Hector attended before the Committee and gave evidence. Committee adjourned until further notice.