A.—7

12

now instructed by the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs to inform you that the question therein referred to is one of policy which the Government have not yet been able to take into consideration in all its bearings. I have, &c, H. S. McKellae, E. M. Eobertson, Esq., (for the Chief Inspector of Distilleries). Director of the New Zealand Distillery Company, Duuedin.

No. 15. The Acting Chief Inspectob of Distilleries to Mr. E. M. Eobeetson. (No. 230.) Customs Department (Distilleries Branch), Sib— Wellington, 30th March, 1874. Adverting to my letter of the 20th instant, in reply to yours of the 26th January last, I have now the honor, by direction of the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, to inform you, with reference thereto, that the Government propose to bring in a Bill to raise the duty on New Zealand spiritIs, per gallon on the Ist of July, 1875. Is. per gallon on the Ist of July, 1877. Is. per gallon on the Ist of July, 1879. I have, &c, H. 8. McKellae, E. M. Eobertson, Esq., (for the Chief Inspector of Distilleries). New Zealand Distillery, Dunedin.

No. 16. The Dieectoes of the New Zealand Distilleet Company to the Chief Inspectoe of Distilleeies. Sib, — New Zealand Distillery Company, Dunedin, 28th May, 1874. Wo duly received your communication of 30th March ultimo, informing us that it was the intention of the Government to propose an increase in the duty on colonially manufactured spirits, viz., Is. per gallon on Ist July, 1875; Is. per gallon on Ist July, 1877 ; and Is. per gallon on Ist July, 1879. In reply, we beg respectfully to state that any such increase in the duty would be completely destructive to the business of distillation in this Colony. We had the honor to address the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs on the subject under dates 16th* and 26th January last, to which we refer. These communications were made prior to our yearly balance, which unfortunately fully bears out what we then stated. We intend, with the sanction of the Government, to interview them on the subject previous to the .meeting of the Assembly, when we will lay before them such facts as may probably alter their views of the question, and we will feel obliged if you will, at as early a date as possible, inform us if the Government have any objection to the interview desired. We have, &c, C. E. Howden, ~) rr E, M. Eobertson, | Dlrectors > The Chief Inspector of Distilleries, Wellington. The New Zealand Distillery Company.

No. 17. Mr. Seed to Messrs. Howden and Bobebtson, Dunedin. (No. 244.) Customs Department (Distilleries Branch), Gentlemen, — Wellington, 25th June, 1874. I have laid your letter of the 28th ultimo before the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, and in reply I am directed to inform you that he will be very glad, either personally or by letter, to receive any communication from you on the subject of the proposed increase in the rate of duty on New Zealand spirits, which communications he will lay before the Government. lam further to state that it is not unlikely that the Government will propose the appointment of a Select Committee of the House of Bepresentatives to consider the Bill it is intended to introduce, and the alleged rights of the existing distilling companies. I have, &c, William Seed, Messrs. Howden and Eobertson, Directors, Chief Inspector of Distilleries. New Zealand Distillery Company, Dunedin. * The letter of the 16th January, 1874, was a private one, and is therefore not printed.