H.-2

XXIX

John Drapper, of Christchurch, paper-bag maker, made a statement asking for an increase of duty on imported bags. Albert Lamb Smith, manager for Messrs. Blackburn and Co., made a statement in reference to sheep-dip. Frederick Trent (Trent Brothers) made a statement in reference to coffee and spices, &c. Dr. Hacon, of Christchurch, made a statement on drugs. F. Wilding, F. Sisson, and S. B. Wilson attended as a deputation from the Canterbury fruitgrowers, and gave evidence in reference to the fruit industry. E. C. Mouldey, of Christchurch, twine-manufacturer, made a statement. John Faulkner, of Christchurch, made a statement in reference to imported sieves and wire netting. A deputation from the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, Christchurch, consisting of George Henry Watson (president), James Anstiss, Benjamin Firth, Dennis Starbuck Turner, James Chalmers (secretary), attended and gave evidence in reference to the trade, and handed in a marked copy of the tariff, with suggested increases on certain articles that could be made in the colony. A deputation from the tanners' and curriers' trade, Christchurch, consisting of Alexander McKinnon (secretary), John Milne, Edwin Sheord, and Frederick A. Webster, attended and gave evidence in reference to their trade and the duties levied on leather. The Commission adjourned at 9.30 p.m. until 10 a.m. to-morrow.

Chbistchuech, Satueday, 16th Febeuaby, 1895. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Hutchison. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. George Henry Blackwell, managing director of the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills, attended and made a statement. G. S. Jakins, grain-merchant, Christchurch, made a statement. Ebenezer C. Brown, manager, D.1.C., Christchurch, made a statement. The Commission then adjourned until 10.45 a.m. on Monday.

Chbistchuech, Monday, 18th Febeuaby, 1895. The Commission met at 10.45 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Some further applications to give evidence were received, and ordered to be acknowledged. Harman P. Finemore, representing Messrs. Wilson, Salamon, and Co., of London, saccharinemanufacturers, attended and made a statement in support of a reduction of the duty on saccharine. G. G. Stead, of Christchurch, attended and made a statement. A deputation, consisting of J. A. Frostick (of the firm of Skelton, Frostick, and Co.), W. Toomer (of Toomer Brothers), H. Milligan (treasurer, Bootmakers' Union), and J. A. Kemp (president), attended as representing the boot trade of Christchurch, and gave evidence. W. Darlow and A. Lilleyman, bootmakers, also gave evidence. W. F. Waller (of Waller, Myhra, and Co.) attended and made a statement, asking for an increase of duty on imported bicycles. G. G. Price, of Christchurch, liquid-gum maker, made a statement. Messrs. Hutchison and Mackenzie brought under the notice of the Commission that his Worship the Mayor of Hokitika desired the Commission to visit Hokitika, and it was resolved to do so, and to inform his Worship accordingly. The Commission adjourned, at 5.30 p.m., until Wednesday next, at 10 a.m., at Dunedin.

Dunedin, Wednesday, 20th Febeuaby, 1895, The Commission met at the Ministers' Rooms, Dunedin, at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Hutchison. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. As some inconvenience was caused by the rooms at Bond Street being so small, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Mackenzie, that the Secretary arrange for rooms either at the Land Office or at the Corporation Offices. At a later period of the meeting, Mr. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands, attended, and offered the use of the Land Board Office, which was accepted, with thanks. A number of applications were received from persons desirous of giving evidence, and a time was fixed for taking same. On the motion of Mr. Mackenzie, Resolved, That the Commission sit at Dunedin to-morrow, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and proceed to Invercargill on Monday next, and upon the return to Dunedin to hold another sitting to complete the taking of evidence. As the day was a public holiday, the Commission adjourned until to-morrow at 10,45 am.