H.—2

4

Commissioners having expressed dissatisfaction, the Chairman was requested to telegraph to the Colonial Secretary an expression of the Commissioners' dissatisfaction; that no such condition as nonpayment was stated in the letters of appointment; and that they were quite unaware of any understanding with Mr. Burns on the subject. Letters were received — (1.) From Messrs. Murray, Roberts, and Co., stating that Mr. Roberts had been compelled to leave town for a day or two, but would be happy to give evidence, if required, on his return. (2.) From Mr. Henry Hogg, Secretary to the Operative Tailors' Society, offering to give evidence on the working of the Act from the artisan's point of view. (3.) From Messrs. Brown, Ewing, and Co., asking that Mr. Ewing, being unable through illness to attend, might be allowed to give evidence on another day. (4.) From Mr. Marcus Hume, of Haig, Bramwell, and Co., stating that Mr. Haig would wait upon the Commissioners instead of himself. Evidence was taken from, — Daniel Haynes, of Herbert, Haynes, and Co.; John Glendining, of Kirkpatrick, Glendining, and Co.; Joseph Fletcher Anderson, Manager of Messrs. Hallenstein Brothers' New Zealand Clothing Factory ; and Joseph Haig, of Haig, Bramwell, and Co. Mr. A. Inglis did not attend to give evidence. Resolved, That the undermentioned persons be requested to appear before the Commission to-morrow. At 2 o'clock. —Mr. Thomson, of Thomson, Strang, and Co.; Mr. Henry Hogg, Secretary to the Operative Tailors' Society, and one of the firm of Reynolds, Clark, and Co. At 3 o'clock.—The Manager of Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach's New Zealand Timber Factory and Sawmills ; and the Manager, or one of the firm, of Findlay and Co., Timber Factory and Sawmill. The Commission adjourned till 2 o'clock p.m. the following day.

Feiday, 10th May, 1878. PEESEI.T : All the Commissioners. Dr. Knight in the chair. Witnesses. —The following persons attended and gave evidence :— Mr. John Clark, of Reynolds, Clark, and Co.; Mr. Henry Hogg, Secretary of the Operative Tailors' Society ; Mr. Andrew Thomson, of Thomson, Strang, and Co,; Mr. George Findlay, of Findlay and Co., Steam Sawmill, &c. Resolved: — (1.) That a list be obtained from the Resident Magistrate's Court of all workshops, factories, &c, registered under the Employment of Females Act. (2.) That the Chairman call such further witnesses as he may consider desirable. (3.) That the Commission, at its rising, adjourn until Tuesday, the 14th instant, at 2 o'clock p.m.; and that, at 7 o'clock p.m. on that day, the evidence of certain female employes be taken. The Commission then adjourned.

Tuesday, 14th May, 1878. Peesent: All the Commissioners. Dr. Knight in the chair. Witnesses.—The following persons attended and gave evidence : — Mr. T. G-. Pascoe, Clothing Manufacturer, of Stafford and High Streets; Mr. Frederick Mallard, Inspector of Police, and Inspector under the Act; Mr. W. D. Herman, Clothing Manufacturer, Stafford Street. Appointment of the Commission.— Resolved, That this Commission is of opinion that scant courtesy has been accorded them in their having been appointed without their wishes having been previously consulted or consent obtained ; and that it is quite unreasonable to ask those who are not in the service of the Government to serve without remuneration. That the Chairman be requested to telegraph the resolution to the Honorable the Colonial Secretary. The Commission adjourned till 7 o'clock p.m. Seven o'clock p.m. Sitting resumed. Certain female employees from several establishments in the City of Dunedin attended, and gave evidence, on the understanding that their names should not be published in the minutes and evidence. Mr. Clement "White also attended and gave evidence. Resolved: — (1.) That at 2 o'clock to-morrow the Commissioners will proceed to visit some of the factories in the city. (2.) That on Thursday, at 11 a.m., the Commissioners will proceed to Mosgiel for the purpose of visiting the Mosgiel Woollen Factory. The Commission adjourned till 2 o'clock p.m. the following day.