19

H.—22.

They consider the present 15 per cent, duty sufficiently protective for all purposes, and are satisfied with the tariff as it now stands, with the exception of the duty on hickory spokes, which they ask may be free, Coal. 71. Mr. Andrew Pollock, Green Island, 29th March, 1880.—On the desirability of the Government encouraging the prospecting for and development of our coal resources. 72. Mr. John Marshall, Collingwood, 7th April, 1880.—Evidence on the working of the Collingwood Coal Mine; and that, to develop it, he requires £1,400, and a wharf built at Timatie Point, to give 20 feet depth at low water, for vessels to load at. 73. Mr. &. Johnson, Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington, 7th June, 1880.—Forwarding letter, with plans giving the distance from high-water mark at which 20 feet of water can be obtained near the Parapara Barer and Timatie Point, Golden Bay. 74. Mr. James Foote, Auckland, 3rd May, 18S0.—Evidence stating the difficulties he has had to contend with in working the Miranda Mine. Has frequently applied for assistance, but without avail. There are large deposits of iron ore and limestone in the district, which are not being worked for want of roads or railways. Forwards letter from Mr. George Perry on the subject of the mine and the iron ores in the district. 75. Mr. George Perry, Auckland, 24th February, 1880.—Reporting on the coal mine at Miranda. 76. Mr. Thomas P. Moodie, General Manager, Bay of Islands Coal Company, 4th May, 1880.— Evidence on the working of the Kawakawa Coal Mine, the further development of which will be greatly benefited by the railway now in course of construction, as the demand for coal is far in excess of the supply. 77. Mr. Josiah C. Firth, Auckland, 14th May, 1880. —Evidence on the difficulties attending coal enterprise, which, as yet, has not been profitable, from various causes ; but is of opinion that relief and encouragement may be afforded by an alteration in the mode of levying the rents and royalties—that, instead of a fixed sum as royalty, a percentage on the profits be paid in lieu thereof. 78. Deputation from the directors of the Walton Park Coal Company, Dunedin, 17th May, 1880.— Slating that, although their tender for coal for locomotive purposes was accepted, and the trials proved satisfactory, yet the railway authorities have taken none of it for that purpose, which they attribute to the prejudice and determination of the drivers and employes of the Railway Department not to use it. Copies of the whole correspondence between the Company and the railway authorities, and Mr. Petre's certificates, are herewith submitted. 79. Mr. H. B. Mclntosh, Secretary, Walton Park Coal Company, Dunediu, 19th May, 1880.— Forwarding correspondence and reports. 79a.. Commissioner of Eailways, Middle Island, Christchurch, 9th January, 1880. 79b. Mr. H. B. Mclntosh, Secretary, Walton Park Coal Company, Dunedin, 20th February, 1880. 79c. Locomotive Engineer, Dunedin, 25th February, ISBO. 79d. Coal trials on New Zealand Eailways. Condensation of report, made to chairman and directors of Walton Park Coal Company, of trials under Mr. Armstrong, Superintendent of Locomotive Department. Dunedin, 10th April, 1880. 79k. Mr. Frank W. Petre, engineer and architect, Dunedin, 13th April, 1880. 79p. Chairman, Walton Park Coal Company, Dunedin, 15th April, 1880. 79g. Commissioner of Hallways, Middle Island, Dunedin, 17th April, 1880. 79h. Chairman, Walton Park Coal Company, Dunedin, 15th May, 1880. 80. Mr. James Archibald Mcllwraith, Homebush, 28th May, 1880.—Evidence on the coal-mining and other industries in the district, showing how the White Cliffs Railway has developed them; but is of opinion that another line is required between Sheffield' and the Rakaia to open out the valuable deposits of coal, fireclay, &c. A grievance that is felt severely are the railway regulations, which give great annoyance without producing any benefit to the railway. If these were remedied it would be a great boon to the district. Deain-pipes, Pottery, Etc. 81. Mr. Thomas Buxton, Makarewa, 24th March, 1880.—From his experience the last ten years as drain-pipe manufacturer, and his intercourse with farmers, is of opinion that a Drainage Act in Southland would bo most beneficial,"and give employment to large numbers of the workingclasses. Does not believe in attempts to force on manufactories by Government aids. 82. Mr. William Plant, Thames, 25th March, 1880. —Recommending assistance to be given for the manufacture of earthenware; and, if proper works were started, insulators could be made in the colony. Does not recommend further protective duties. S3. Mr. William Plant, Thames, 20th April, 1880. —Recommendations for the establishment of an earthenware factory :A, an advance of £500, to be secured on the plant until repaid; B, the monopoly of the manufacture of insulators for the Telegraph Department for five years ; C, carbonate of lead, borax, and plaster of Paris to be admitted free of duty. 84. Mr. George Boyd, Newton, 16th April, 1880.—Recommending a heavy duty to be placed on common pottery, drain-pipes, firebrick, and fireclay goods; a lighter duty on china, porcelain, or parian; and that all paints, glazes, clay, or minerals used in the manufacture of pottery be admitted free. 85. Messrs. Austin, Kirk, and Co., W. Neighbours, and Ford and Qgden,'manufacturers of drainpipes, &c, Christchurch, 17th April, 1880. —Urging the necessity of a duty of 15 per cent, being placed on imported drain-pipes, a duty of £2 per 1,000 on firebricks, and 20 per cent, on brown earthenware; and a reduction of a halfpenny per ton per mile on their materials and manufactures, and native coal carried by rail.