H.—2

XXXI

Benjamin Edwards gave evidence on edge tools, such as axes, slashers, &c. C. S. Boss gave evidence on the question of imported photo enlargements taken in the colony and sent out for execution. John Bath and W. H. Mathieson, coachbuilders, gave evidence m reference to articles used in their trade. James McNatty, delegate from the Bootmakers' Union, Invercargill, gave evidence. James Eichard Richards, manager of the New Zealand Chemical Manufacturing Company, Invercargill, gave evidence relating to sheep-dip and paraffin-candle making. William Ross, manager of the Southland Rope Company, gave evidence on binding-twine and other matters. Joseph Hatch gave evidence in regard to sheep-dip and the oil industries. The Commission adjourned at 5.15 p.m. until to-morrow at 10.15 a.m.

Inveecaegill, Wednesday, 27th Febeuaby, 1895. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Stevens, Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. Tanner, and Mr. McGowan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was received from the manager of the Mataura Paper-mills, asking the Commission to visit the mills at Mataura to-morrow. Resolved, That the Commission leave by the early train to-morrow (Thursday), stay at Mataura for a time, and go on by the express to Clinton, stay at Clinton until the leaving of the express train on Friday for Dunedin, and open at Dunedin on Saturday next. Resolved, That the Secretary write to the secretary of the North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Oamaru, and the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Dunedin, stating that the Commission would sit at these places, and asking them to give evidence. A letter from Mr. Strange, coffee-manufacturer, Invercargill, was read and ordered to be acknowledged. ' __~,.. A deputation of Invercargill fruit-growers, introduced by J. W. Kelly, M.H.E., consisting of H. McLean, S. Eichter, and E. Cleave, gave evidence on the fruit industry. Henry Hawson and William Lewis, importers, gave evidence on the anomalies of the tariff, and asked for the removal of the duty on cases. W. T. Glasgow, Secretary of Customs, read a memorandum on the question of the duty on cases. John Fraser, monumental mason, gave evidence on imported marble and granite. Henry Mark Levinge, M.D., gave evidence as to the establishment of chemical industries. J. Kingsland, confectioner, gave evidence, asking for the removal of duty on block chocolate used in the manufacture of chocolate creams. James Brockenshaw, fishmonger, gave evidence relating generally to the oyster and fishing industries, and asked that the duty be raised on imported oysters and for an export duty on fish. E. F. Cuthbertson, secretary to the Southland Agricultural and Pastoral Association, gave evidence in regard to several matters raised by the Commission, and on which evidence had been given by previous witnesses. The Commission then adjourned at 10.15 p.m. until to-morrow at 10 a.m., at Mataura.

Matauea, Thubsday, 28th Febeuaby, 1895. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Stevens, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr. McGowan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Thomas Cullen, one of the partners of the Mataura Falls Paper-mills Company, gave evidence. After the Commissioners had inspected the mills, the Commission adjourned till Saturday next, at 10.30 a.m., at Dunedin. ■_

Dunedin, Satueday, 2nd Maech, 1895. The Commission resumed its sittings at 10.30 a.m., at the City Council Chambers, Dunedin. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Stevens, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr. McGowan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A number of applications to give evidence were received, and a time appointed for taking same. The Commission then adjourned until 9.30 a.m. on Monday next.

Dunedin, Monday, 4th Maech, 1895. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr, Stevens, Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Hutchison. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. S. Slesinger, veterinary surgeon, made a statement, asking for increase of duty on imported horse- and cattle-blisters, embrocations, and medicines. Albert Edward Colebrook, of the firm of Colebrook Brothers, London, boot-manufacturers, made a statement in regard to the duties on boots and leathers. Eobert Watson, retired Civil servant, attended and offered suggestions for the improvement of the tariff.