H.—2

XXXV

The motion was seconded by Mr. McGowan pro forma. Mr. Stevens moved, by way of amendment, and Mr. Mackenzie seconded, That the map be published and attached to the evidence, but that Mr. Phillips be informed that the Commission cannot supply him with a copy of his evidence or the map, as no evidence can be disclosed till the Commission has reported. Upon the question being put that the original question be agreed to, a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow :— Aye. —Mr. Tanner. Noes.— Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Stevens, Hon. Major Steward. So it passed in the negative. Upon the amendment being put as the original question it passed in the affirmative. John O'Brien, George Pearce, and William Boone, members of the Workers' Union, attended as a deputation. John O'Brien, secretary, and George Pearce, member, each made a statement in reference to shearers' requisites. At the suggestion of the Chairman, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to David Jones, Clerk of the County Council, for arranging with witnesses the hours of attendance, and for obtaining the use of the County Council room for the use of the Commission whilst at Waimate. The Commission then adjourned.

Timaeu, Feiday, 15th Maech, 1895. The Commission met at the Borough Council Chambers, Timaru, on Friday, 15th March, 1895, at 9 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Hutchison, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Tanner, and Mr. Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. William Bourne, cabinetmaker, asked that veneers be admitted free. Samuel Kirby asked for a duty on imported building-stone. James Lillico, manager of the South Canterbury Woollen Manufacturing Company, asked that card clothing, machine (duplicate) furniture, and fancy-worked and silk yarns be admitted free. He also gave evidence relating to flannelettes, unions, and tweeds, &c. Jonathan Allpress, sauce-manufacturer, gave evidence as to the evasion of duty on imported sauces. John Talbot, chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board, and J. W. Tennett, secretary, asked that ropes and dredging machines and appliances be admitted free. John Talbot, J. Anstey, and H. Inglis, members of the South Canterbury Farmers' Association, and G. P. Wood, secretary, Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association, attended as a joint deputation, and gave evidence on certain farming and agricultural machinery, implements, and articles upon which they thought duty should be free. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. A. Hart, Collector of Customs, for arranging the hours of attendance of witnesses, &c, and to the Chairman of the Borough Council, Timaru, for granting the use of the Borough Council Chambers to the Commission. The Commission then adjourned, at 4.45 p.m.

Ashbubton, Satueday, 16th Maech, 1895. The Commission met at the County Council Office, Ashburton, on Saturday, the 16th March, 1895, at 11 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. McGowan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Charles Mytton Brooke, chemist, asked for an increase of duty on imported sheep-dip. Henry Zander, general importer, gave evidence on certain articles affecting the farming industry. Eudolph Friedlander and Donald Williamson attended as a deputation from the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and gave evidence on certain articles affecting the farmers. On the motion of Mr. Tanner, a vote of thanks was passed to C. Mainwaring, Clerk, County Council, Ashburton, for obtaining the use of the County Council Chambers for the Commission, and for arranging the hours of attendance of witnesses. The Commission then adjourned.

Chbistchuech, Monday, 18th Mabch, 1895. The Commission resumed its sittings at the old Provincial Buildings, Christchurch, on Monday, the 18th March, 1895, at 10.30 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Stevens, Mr. Tanner, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Hutchison, and Mr. Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence was read and ordered to be acknowledged. A number of applications to give evidence were read, and an hour was fixed for hearing same. Alexander Cameron, of Cameron Brothers and Co., of America and Australia, tobacco-growers, gave evidence on the question of tobacco-growing, and as to the duty on same. Sydney Philips, of Wellington, also gave evidence on the same question.