H.—22

18

53. Mr. A. J. White, Christchureh, 19th April, 1880.-—Eeferring to the prejudice against colonial work, and the difficulty of seasoning timber; suggesting that Government should control their forests and allow timber to be cut at certain seasons only; recommending the removal of all duties from timber, that the laws relating to apprenticeship should be of the most liberal kind, and the establishment of schools of art in all centres of population. 54. A deputation, comprising Messrs. North, Chisholm, and Gillies, of Dunedin, 18th May, 1880. — Expressing their conviction that a protective duty in their trade would have a disastrous effect, preventing the employment of much labour by limiting the sale of goods, and resulting in the present youth never being taught to become finished tradesmen. They require no protective tariff to nurse their trade; but request that the present duty on furniture may be reduced to its old rate of 10 per cent. Candle and Soap Manufacture. 55. Mr. A. McLeod, Dunedin, 18th May, 1880.—Evidence on chemical manufactures, such as sulphuric acid, soap, stearine, candles, and artificial manures, and the interdependence of such industries; also with regard to other manufactories, the raw material from one finding use by the existence of other factories. Specially recommends the establishment of a sulphuric-acid manufactory. Eeferring to his own trade of candle-making, states that it could not stand without the present protection. 56. Mr. J. Kitchen, Wellington, Ist June, 1880. —Asking for the duty on candles to remain as it is, and that the duty be taken off wrapping-paper. Cement, Etc. 57. Messrs. Young Brothers, Westport, 31st March, 1880.—Stating that in their opinion the Greymouth limestones would yield a cement like Portland, and suggesting the analysis of them, and such tests as would prove whether they are suitable for the purpose, which might result in the establishment of a most valuable industry. 58. Messrs. Young Brothers, Westport, 31st March, 1880. —Letter to Mr. Masters, urging him to place before the Commission the advisability of having the Greymouth limestones investigated and experimented on with a. view to the manufacture of cement. 59. Town Clerk's Office, Greymouth, 22nd June, 1880.'—Stating that in the opinion of the Borough Council the manufacture of cement and hydraulic lime from the Greymouth limestones should be experimented on, and forwarding samples for analysis. 60. Town Clerk's Office, Greymouth, 23rd June, 1880.—Letter to Mr. Masters, informing him of the despatch of samples of limestones to be delivered to the Commission. 61. Dr. James Hector, Wellington, Bth July, 1880.—Besult of analysis of samples of Greymouth limestone, from which it appears that none are first-class. One sample is better than the rest, and experiments will be made with it and reported on. 62. Gisborne County Council, Gisborne, 7th April, 1880. —Stating that there are large deposits nf materials used in the manufacture of Portland cement, and asking if Government will assist, by a grant of £700, a person willing to undertake the manufacture. 63. John Ingram, Oxford, 13th April, 1880.—Stating that he is part-owner of property which contains a deposit of chalk which might be utilized in the manufacture of Portland cement, and thinks Government might erect manufactories, or offer a bonus to induce a company to take it up. Befers to Mr. Williams, C.E., and incloses Dr. Hector's report. 64. Dr. James Hector, 2nd March, 1880. —Eeporting on chalk found at Oxford, and the uses to which it can be profitably employed —namely, crayons, manure, whiting, mortar, and Portland cement. 65. Selwyn County Council, Christchurch, 3rd May, 1880.—Drawing attention to the desirability of promoting the manufacture of cement, and the recent discovery of chalk in the neighbourhood of Oxford; also drawing attention to the water-power in the district, which might be made available at little expense. 66. Mr. W. A. Ewing, Dunedin, 26th May,'l3Bo. —Evidence stating that he has applied for a patent to manufacture cement from stone found near Dunedin. Eecommends the offering of a bonus for the manufacture, or that Government would give him an order for 100 tons of cement. 67. Mr. Charles D. Irvine, Wellington, 31st May, 1880.—On the manufacture of Portland cement, and stating that in many parts of New Zealand all the raw materials are found necessary for the production of the highest class of cement. Brings especially to notice the contemplated erection of a breakwater at New Plymouth, and that within a few miles the best raw material is found, which could be manufactured into cement at a less cost than the imported cement. Eeeommends a thorough investigation, and that Government should encourage the establishment of the industry by bonus or otherwise. Gives an estimate of the plant necessary. COACHBTJILDING TRADE. 68. Mr. J. Eobin, Dunedin, 7th April, 1880.—Eemarks that the time has gone by when the Government can materially assist in establishing an industrial population ; but, at some future time, when more railway-carriages are required, tenders should be called for them in the local market. 69. Messrs. Sinclair and Morton, Dunedin, 10th May, 1880.—Urging upon the attention of the Government that when railway carriages, trucks, wagons, &c, are required, tenders be invited for their construction and supply within the colony, being convinced that they can be made in the colony at a less price, and equal in durability and finish to the imported ; also recommending the planting of reserves with hickory, oak, ash, &c. 70. Messrs. Sinclair and Morton, Dunedin, 18th May, 1880. —Evidence stating that they think the time has arrived when most of the rolling-stock on the railways should be built in the colony.