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Bepoet eelative to an Impost Duty on Stock. In connection with a document (a copy of which is annexed), signed by 1,152 farmers in Southland,, asking for the imposition of a duty on live - stock imported from the Colony of Victoria, in consequence of that colony having placed a duty of £2 10s. each on horses, this Committee is of opinion that the time has arrived when, at the earliest possible opportunity, a representative intercolonial conference should be held to discuss the question of intercolonial reciprocity—a reform which this Committee considers highly desirable in the interests of the whole of Australasia. In the meantime, and until such reciprocity be obtained, the Committee recommends that a Customstariff equal to that levied by the other Australasian Colonies be at once imposed upon horses, cattle, sheep, and goods imported to New Zealand from those colonies. And the Committee request the Chairman to bring this matter before the House of Bepresentatives. William Hutchison, 14th August, 1894. Chairman.

Appendix to above Eepobt. SIE — We, the undersigned settlers and others interested in the breeding of live-stock, while desirous of having intercolonial free-trade, beg respectfully to draw your attention (in terms of a resolution passed at a public meeting held in Invercargill, on 14th instant) to the expediency of imposing a stock-tax on all live-stock (particularly horses) imported to New Zealand from the Colony of Victoria, equivalent to that imposed by that colony on New Zealand stock landed at her ports. During the past twelve months large importations of Victorian horses have beeu landed in New Zealand, and we submit that it is unfair to breeders, as well as to the taxpayers of the colony, that their stock should have free entrance to our ports while we have to pay a heavy duty on our shipments to that colony. We have, therefore, to urge that you will give this matter your earnest and favourable consideration, and impress upon your Government the necessity of placing us on fair trade terms with our neighbours across the sea. The Hon. John McKenzie, Minister of Agriculture, Wellington.

Bepoet eelative to Customs Taeiff. I have the honour to report that this Committee have deliberated upon the Customs tariff, which they have gone through item by item, and now forward to the Government their suggestions upon the same. The Committee, while going into the subject as exhaustively as the time at their disposal has allowed, desire to express their strong opinion that any revision of the Customs tariff must be imperfect unless the opportunity be given of acquiring requisite information at the various centres of the colony, in order that a reliable and comprehensive report may be furnished to guide the Government in suitably amending the tariff; and for this purpose the Committee are of opinion that, in the interests of the colony, a Boyal Commission should be set up forthwith to take evidence and go exhaustively into the whole question, and to report thereon. Your Committee have already reported upon a certain phase of the tariff, arising out of a duty imposed upon New Zealand horses exported to Victoria. A copy* of that report is appended hereto, and the attention of the House is respectfully requested to its recommendation of a reciprocity of Australasian tariffs. William Hutchison, September 14th, 1894. Chairman. * See report of 14th August.

Bepokt on the Petition of Joe Waed. Petitionee prays for the remission of the duty on a woodworking machine which he desires toimport and use in making butter-boxes and in the dairy industry. I am directed to report that this Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 20th September, 1894. . William Hutchison, Chairman.

Bepoet on the Application of Mr. B. M. Smith, M.H.E. Me. Smith asked the Committee to recommend the Government to grant a subsidy of £1 for £1, up to £250, to the people in the District of Taranaki who are desirous of sending one or more persons to England with 10 tons of samples of iron, to endeavour to form a company to work coal and other mineral products in the colony. Mr. Smith appeared in support of his application, which is attached hereto. I have the honour to report that this Committee is of opinion that Mr. Smith's application should be referred to the Government for their most favourable consideration. 21st September, 1894. William Hutchison, Chairman. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,400 copies), £2 10s.

By Authority : Samuel Costall, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB94. Price 3d.-]