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policy, namely, the competition by the Government workshops in the manufacture of machinery and other things for which they had specially laid out their plant; also the competition of the Public Works Department in the labour-market by offering higher wages than the current rate. Woollen Manufactures. 139. Mr. W. Steele, Hamilton, April, 1880.—Enclosing a suggestion from a Mr. Potter regarding the manufacture of flannel. 140. Mr. Albert Potter, Hamilton, 18th March, 1880.—Suggesting the disseminating of the hand-loom throughout the colony for the manufacture of flannels, blankets, serges, carpets, &c, as a means of employment for the increase of population. 141. Mr. Isaac Wilson, Kaiapoi Woollen Factory Company (Limited), 20th April, 1880. —Evidence on the working of the factory; and stating that, although every economy is practised, but a small profit is made, the cause being that they cannot compete with the British flannels, blankets, and yarns, which in many cases are not made of pure wool. Is convinced that more duty must be imposed on the imported goods if the factory is to pay. 142. Joint letter from the managers of the Mosgiel, Eoslyn, and Kaikorni Woollen Factories, Dunedin, 16th April, 18S0. —They consider that no addition to the existing rate of duty is necessary, but that the direction in which they could be assisted would be by the relaxation of the Employment of Females Act. 143. Notes of a visit by the Commission to the Mosgiel, Eoslyn, and Kaikorai Woollen Factories, 17th May, 1880.—The factories were found in full working order, and the arrangements at Mosgiel and Eoslyn seemed perfect, the rooms being well ventilated and comfortable. On examining some of the hands at each factory in reference to the operation of the Employment of Females Act, at Mosgiel they were in favour of working longer hours, but at the other two they were unanimous in considering that they worked quite long enough. 144. Mesrs. Eoss and Glendining, Eoslyn Woollen Mills, Dunedin, 2nd June, 1880. —Asking that "all yarns for weaving purposes only " may be admitted free of duty, forwarding sample. 145. Mr. W. Seed, Secretary of Customs, Wellington, sth June, 1880.—Stating that the sample of weaving-yarn forwarded is liable to 15 per cent, ad valorem duty, and that if these fine yarns are to be admitted free, the degree of fineness must be definitely specified ; but their admission free would reduce the receipts of duties on imported woollens made of these yarns. 146. Mr. John Morrison, .manager, Mosgiel Woollen Factory, Dunedin, 9th June, 1880. —Stating that the directors decidedly oppose the admission of " yarns for weaving purposes " duty free, as it would mean ruination to the native woollen industry. 147. Mr. Isaac Wilson, Kaiapoi Woollen Factory Company (Limited), Kaiapoi, 11th June, 1880.— Stating that they would not ask for " yarns for weaving " to be admitted free, but think that a small additional duty on woollen goods would be advantageous. 148. Mr. T. G. Pascoe, clothing-manufacturer, Dunedin, 18th May, 1880.—Asking for a reduction to 5 per cent, on certain articles used in trimmings ; but, if this affects the revenue too largely, an additional 5 per cent, might be put upon men's, youths', and boys' manufactured clothing. 149. Mr. Absolon Smith, tailor, Dunedin, 18th May, 1880. — Suggesting that, as all Volunteer uniforms are to be scarlet, the Government should call for tenders for the tweed in the colony and supply it to the companies, as is done in railway uniforms. 150. Messrs. Brown, Ewing. and Co., Dunedin, 26th May, 1880.—Evidence on the operation of the Employment of Females Act as affecting their business of drapers, asking for amendments of some of its provisions. Are satisfied with the working of the present tariff. Technical Education. 151. Mr. F. G. Stedman, Christchurch.—Forwarding a prospectus of the School of Agriculture of the Canterbury College. Miscellaneous. 152. Mr. William Daniel, Dipton, sth April, 1880. —Eecommending the establishment of a glovemanufactory as being well adapted to the natural advantages which exist in the district. 153. Mr. T. W. Hacket, Nelson, 6th April, 1880.—Pointing out the importance of working the reefs of chrome ore which exist in the district. 154 and 155. Mr. E. Dutton, Auckland, 7th April, 1880 ; 17th April, 1880.—Suggesting that the duty on corks and all articles made from cork should be raised to 25 per cent., and that cork trees be planted on waste lands. 156 and 157. Mr. K. L. Koeford, Grahamstown, 13th April, 1880; 13th May, 1880.—Asking that no duty may be put on glass bottles, and that the duty on sugar, vinegar, and spices used in the manufacture of sauces may be reduced. 158. Mr. Albert Beetham, Auckland, 3rd May, 1880. —Evidence stating that he does not wish for a duty upon glass bottles, and thinks that the duty on pickles might be raised to Is. 3d. per dozen pints, aud the same on preserved fruits. 159 and 160. Mr. E. 11. Edwards, Thames, 13th April, 1880 ; 13th May, 1880.—Being a manufacturer of pigments for the production of paints, he considers the industry requires protection, suggesting the following: Paints, wet or dry, 20 per cent. ; polishing-paste and powder, 25 per cent.; whiting and chalk, ss. per hundredweight; varnishes, 2s. per gallon. 161. Messrs. Atkinson and Co., Newmarket, 17th April, 1880.' —Stating that they are manufacturers of paint-oil and varnishes from waste kauri-gum, and asking for a heavier duty on varnishes. 162. Mr. Joseph Stacey, Auckland, 19th April, 1880.—Asking for additional duty of Id. per pound on imported confectionery.