IL—No. 8.

ON COLONIAL INDUSTRIES.

19

91. Captain Eraser.] Have you made an examination of that range ?—No; not since the opening ©f the quartz reefs or the alluvial diggings, excepting along the river. 92. Would you advise a re-survey of the Carrick Range to be made ? —A further geological survey ' would be very satisfactory ; but for the mining interests the collection of statistics of the work done in the different claims, and reports on them by Mining Surveyors, is of first importance, and would greatly facilitate a geological survey by affording data respecting the relative position and other details of mines, the obtaining of which is not the work of a Geological Surveyor. No doubt, a further scientific examination of Otago, with the assistance of such data, would not only result in more definite information being afforded, but in all probability some important discoveries might be made. 93. Are you aware that silver has been discovered on the Carrick Range ? —No. 94. Mr. Bathgate.] Antimony has also been discovered. That would add something to the value of these discoveries ? —Yes, it would. As an article of commerce, however, antimony varies greatly. Although a few months ago it was worth some £60 or £70 per ton, yet a small quantity put into the market very soon gluts it, and so its value becomes reduced. 95. Captain Eraser.] What is it chiefly used for? —It is chiefly used in the manufacture of types. 96. About the tin reported to have been discovered on the West Coast, I spent some money in assisting to fit out an expedition to go round and test it. Dr. Hector now reports that he knew of the existence of the lode nine years ago ? —I knew of the locality referred to, and discovered the vein in 1863, but I never supposed that it contained tin ore. I have reported on it frequently. I could not refer to it in connection with tin, as it contains none. Had I foreseen.that it was afterwards to be mistaken for tin ore I might have done so. It is of no value, only containing garnet, titanium, and iron. 97. The Chairman.] What is the present position of the Flax Commission ?—Since the Commission of which I was Chairman sent in their report last year, I have laid a further report before Parliament, but the Commission has lapsed, I presume. 98. Mr. Bathgate.] Has the attention of the public been directed to the report ?—The information has been very widely diffused, 1,400 copies have been issued. I sent it also to all the mill-owners among others, in the form of a pamphlet, recently published. 99. Have you any additional recommendations to make in the matter ? —My opinion is that the most important thing that can be done is to protect the growing of flax. In London the market price for flax continues high, and lam assured that it is likely to continue so. The supply is very short, and, when we consider that the raw material takes at least three years to reach maturity, it is a matter of great importance that it should not only be protected but also that its growth should be encouraged. 100. Captain Eraser.] Are you aware that, during the last year or so, a very large proportion of the accidents to persons have arisen in connection with flax machinery ?—I only know of that fact from the reports which appear in the newspapers. I think, however, it is desirable that the attention of the Legislature should be drawn to the subject, and that the inspection of the steam boilers used in flax and other mills should become a portion of the duties of an Inspector, just as marine boilers are surveyed. 101. The Chairman.] Would you suggest any further steps more than have been taken, for promoting the flax industry ?—I think it is necessary that a little more money should be invested in investigating the chemical processes for improving the method of cleaning the fibre, so as to enable them to mix it with Riga flax. Also, to continue some experiments in improving certain machines, and specially to give assistance to one being made by Mr. Kelly, of Taranaki. It is only by modifying and adapting such machines that a really efficient one can be produced. 102. What sum of money will be required for that purpose ? —I think about from £200 to £300. Last year a vote of £500 was passed, something under £200 of which was spent; the remainder went to meet liabilities incurred under a vote for the previous year, a large balance of which had lapsed. 103. Captain Eraser.] Are you aware that flax at a high altitude is considered superior to that grown in lower altitudes ? The Hawhea Lake, at which I live, and which is a very high altitude, I am told is as good a flax-producing district as is to be found in Otago? —I understand that at the higher altitudes the flax is, as a rule, of inferior quality; but in Otago, the climate and conditions of the sea coast are in a great measure repeated about the Lake district, 104. The Chairman.] Have you any connection with the proposed exhibition of flax machinery to be held in Christchurch ?—I take a great interest in it, but lam not officially connected with it. 105. Has the Government made any contributions to it ? —Not that I am aware of.--106. Captain Eraser.] With reference to the discovery of moa caves, do you think it desirable that the bones found in them should be prevented from leaving the country? —It would be as well that they should be examined and reported on. Ido not, however, think that the bones should be prevented from leaving the country. The subject has created so much interest at home, that the bones might be turned to good account, in the way of exchange for articles valuable for adapting our Museums to educational purposes.

Dr. Sector

30th Sept, 1872,