H.—22

20

86. Mr. Henry Bland Kirk, of Messrs. Austin and Kirk, Christoaurch, 21st April, 1880.—Evidence on the working of their brick, tile, and pottery factory at Farnley. Owing to the reduction in prices and freights the importers successfully compete ; and for that reason, and during the unsettled state of the labour-market, he requests that 10 per cent, or 15 per cent, duty be placed on drain-pipes, 20 per cent, on pottery, and £2 per 1,000 on firebricks, also a reduction of a halfpenny per ton per mile on the carriage of fireclay and native coal by rail. 87. Mr. Woodnorth, pottery works, Waikiwi, 23rd April, 1880. —Describing the difficulties ho lias struggled through ; but is quite satisfied that the industry could be successfully established on its own merits if he had the assistance of £1,000 to develop the trade, as all his manufactures are well received in the local market. 88. Deputation from the Christchurch Native Industries Association, 23rd April, 1880. —Stating that, in spite of their recommendations, drain-pipes are admitted free; in consequence of which the local manufacturers lost the contract tendered for by the Christchurch Drainage Board. There should be a duty of 10 per cent, on them. Protection would cause more competition, and not raise the cost. That, in their opinion, the effect of the increased duty imposed on various articles last year had not raised the price of local manufactures, but rather the reverse. In the leather trade goods were sold as cheaply as before; but the trade could not liave grown without the duties, and the remissions made last year appreciably helped the industry. Also drew attention to the simplifying of the patent laws; the desirability of planting the reserves with hickory, ash, elm, &c. ; the inability at present to manufacture twine for reaping-and-binding machines ; the question of linseed-oil manufacture, and flax-pulp for paper-making; and that readier facilities for analysis or supplying information be afforded by the Canterbury College. 89. Mr. C. S. Eeeves, Milton Pottery Works, Dunedin, 18th May, 1880.— Evidence on the Milton Pottery "Works, which he hopes to make a success. The increase in the duty will go far towards it. Thinks demijohns might be raised to 15 per cent, duty, and drain-pipes be charged 10 per cent, duty; but the question arises how far the tariff should go on. the side of protection. Is quite satisfied with 15 per cent, duty on earthenware, which gives a great advantage to the colonially-made article. 90. Mr. James Ford, of Messrs. Ford and Ogden, Grlentunnel, 28th May, 1880. —Evidence stating that a reduction in the railway rates on their goods and coals would be very beneficial. 91. Mr. Thomas Condliffe, terra-cotta manufacturer, Grlentunnel, 28th May, 1880. —Evidence on the manufacture of terra-cotta, the chief drawback to this industry being the high rates charged by the railway on his goods and coal. Draws attention to the advantages a line of railway would be through the district. Detjgs, Etc. 92. Messrs. Kernpthorne and Prosscr, Dunedin, 14th April, 1880. —Submitting a long list of articles which they desire should be admitted free of duty; also a number of other articles upon which duty should be placed. Also suggesting the importance of rendering assistance, by bonus or otherwise, for the establishment of a sulphuric-acid manufactory. 93. Mr. Joseph Burgess, Auckland, 22nd April, 1880. —On the manufacture of laundry-blue; requesting the Government to remit the duty on ultramarine and impose a prohibitive tax on imported blue. 94. Mr. Slesinger, veterinary surgeon, Dunedin, 14th May, 1880. —Evidence on the value of his medicines; but that he requires a duty of 75 per cent, to 100 per cent, on imported patent medicines to enable him more successfully to compete with them. 95. Mr. James Neil, medical botanist, Dunedin, 20th May, ISBO. —Stating that he has to pay the same rate of duty on raw material used in the manufacture of medicine as on the manufactured goods, and trusts this may be rectified. Fisheries and FisH-cinyroitß. 96. Mr. E. Scollay, Bluff, 12th April, 1880.—Recommending that the high rates charged by the railway for the carriage of fish and oysters be reduced, as it is depressing to the fish trade. 97. Mr. Thomas Thomson, Bluff Harbour, 13fth April, 1880. —Remarking upon the various industries in that district—namely, whaling, fishing, timber trade, flax, &c, and recommending that the rates for the carriage of fish by rail should be exceptionally low, and a train run every morning from the Bluff to Dunedin. Draws attention to the patent laws, which ought to be entirely repealed, and a simple and cheap method devised for making an invention the property of the inventor. 98. Mr. Charles Traill, Stewart Island, 30th April, 1880. —Referring to the depression of the fish and oyster trade, is of opinion that the high rates charged for the carriage of fish by rail operate against the various centres of population being supplied with fish. Mentions the other industries on the Island, and thinks that shipbuilding might be carried on with advantage. Several valuable minerals are known to exist; but much of the Island is still a terra incognita, and he trusts a scientific examination may be made of it at no distant date. 99. Mr. J. A. Morgan, Christchurch, 11th June, 1880.—Suggesting the establishment of a fishing station in one of the sounds near D'Urville Island, thereby materially benefiting the country and adding to the revenue. The outlay required would not exceed £4,000, and he would assist in bringing it into working order. FISH-CTTLTUBE. 100. Mr. A. M. Johnson', Opawa, 19th April, 1880.—Evidence on fish-culture, with which he has been very successful; but to make it a complete success it is necessary that ho should have permission to capture fish and collect ova during the close season. He has applied to the Colonial Secretary, but, owing to the determined opposition of the Acclimatization Society, his request has been refused. The correspondence ia herewith submitted.