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Mr. Volbracht attended, producing samples of locally grown tobacco, and putting in a statement in reference to same. The subject being discussed, Mr. Wright gave notice that he would, at next meeting, move the following motion —namely, That in order to encourage the growth and manufacture of tobacco in New Zealand, the duty on tobacco grown within the colony should be reduced to Is. per lb. for a period of not less than five years. On the motion of Mr. Macandrew, Resolved, That a copy of Mr. Wright's resolution be sent to each member of the Committee, and that the same be considered at next meeting. The Committee then adjourned.

Tuesday, 26th July, 1881. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Major Atkinson, Captain Colbeck, Mr. Lundon, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Murray (Chairman), Mr. Wakefield, and Mr. Wright. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The question of duty on maize was considered. On the motion of Mr. Macandrew, Resolved, That the Committee, having considered the question of the imposition of the duty upon maize, recommend that with the exception of imports from Fiji the same duty should be imposed upon maize as is imposed upon other cereals. Mr. Wright's motion, of which notice was given at last meeting, was next considered. On the motion of Mr. Wright, Resolved, That, in order to encourage the growth and manufacture of tobacco in New Zealand, the duty upon tobacco grown within the colony should be reduced to Is. per lb. for a period of not less than five years. The Committee then adjourned.

Wednesday, 27th July, 1881. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Major Atkinson, Captain Colbeck, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Lundon, Mr. Macandrew, and Mr. Murray (Chairman). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Samuel Kirkpatrick, from Nelson, made a statement in reference to rebate of duty on sugar used in preserving fruits, or increase of import duty upon preserved fruits. Mr. W Swanson, M.H.R., attended and made a statement in reference to the import duty on kauri gum varnish, and mixed paints. Letter on this subject, from Messrs. Atkinson and Co., Ereeman's Bay, Auckland, handed in and read. Mr. Swanson also handed in letters from Joseph Burgess, relative to a proposed increased import duty on laundry blue; and from Mason Brothers, Auckland, relative to the manufacture of perfumery He also made statements relating to the local manufacture of twine and shoemakers' wooden lasts. The Committee then adjourned till 10 a.m., 28th.

Thursday, 28th July, 1881. Present: Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Murray (Chairman). There being no quorum the meeting lapsed.

Friday, 29th July, 1881. Present: Captain Colbeck, Mr. Lundon, and Mr. Murray (Chairman) The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A written statement by Mr. Kirkpatrick, of Nelson, was put in and read. After considerable discussion thereon, the meeting adjourned till Tuesday, the 2nd proximo, at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, 2nd August, 1881. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Captain Colbeck, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Murray (Chairman), and Mr. Wright. A suggestion made by Captain Colbeck, as to the advisability of introducing the olive-tree, was considered. Moved by Mr. Macandrew, and seconded by Captain Colbeck, That Mr. N Reid, of Messrs. Turnbull and Co., be summoned for to-morrow at 10 o'clock.—Carried. Mr. Swanson was present, and showed samples of ropes and twine manufactured in Auckland. The Committee adjourned uutil 10 o'clock on Wednesday, the 3rd instant.

Wednesday, 3rd August, 1881. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Major Atkinson, Mr. Ballance, Captain Colbeck, Mr. Lundon, Mr. Macandrew, and Mr. Murray (Chairman). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. . Mr. Reid was in attendance, and made suggestions relative to modifying the tariff, which he promised to commit to writing.