H.—22

3

INTERIM REPORT. To His Excellency Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson;, G.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand, &c. The Royal Commission on Local Industries have the honour to make the following interim recommendation : — The Commission have ascertained that wine of good quality is produced in various parts of the colony, and that, but for the restrictions placed upon it by the existing licensing laws, this industry is likely to grow to considerable proportions. They find, however, that no provision being made by the law for retailing colonial wine, except by obtaining a publichouse license, the trade is practically suppressed. They are of opinion that it ought to be encouraged, both on the ground of its affording remunerative occupation in a new branch of agriculture, and on that of its supplying the public with a cheap and wholesome beverage. They therefore have the honor to recommend that special facilities should be provided in the Licensing Bill now before Parliament for the sale of New Zealand wines by retail or for consumption on the premises. Edward Wakefield, 4th June, 1880. Chairman.

FINAL REPORT. To His Excellency Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, Knight Grand Cross of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Ohief in and over the Colony of New Zealand, and Vice-Admiral of the same. We, the undersigned Commissioners, appointed hy virtue of a Commission in the name of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Eaith, witnessed by His Excellency Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, and Vice-Admiral of the same, and dated the 12th day of March, 1880, to inquire whether any industries or manufactures that are or hereafter may be prosecuted or carried on in the said colony, should be in any manner promoted or aided by the Government, and to examine into the best means of so aiding or promoting any such local industries or manufactures, having due regard to the circumstances of the said colony, do respectfully report as follows : — General Remarks. The Commissioners having only been appointed on the 12th March, and the then ensuing session of Parliament having been fixed for the month of May, they saw it would be impossible for them during that short interval to completely execute, by personal examination, the inquiry committed to them, without incurring an expense disproportionate to the success which appeared likely to attend so hurried a proceeding. "With a view, therefore, to making the most of the time at their disposal, and avoiding unnecessary expence, they resolved to.

REPORTS OF COLONIAL INDUSTRIES COMMISSION.