H.—2.

XXXVIII

A telegram from the Hon. the Premier to the Secretary was read, in which he said that Mr. Jack had informed him that the Commission had declined to recognise the mining industry as an industry of the colony. Resolved, To reply that Mr. Jack was under a misapprehension as to the decision of the Commissioners. Andrew Mathieson, timber merchant, attended, and asked that an endeavour be made to secure the free admission of New Zealand timber into New South Wales and South Australia, in return for the free admission of their timbers into this colony. Hon. J. Kerr, M.L.C., and Richard Nancarrow attended, and asked that the duty of 20 per cent, on gold medals given for prizes in schools should be removed. A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman of the Harbour Board for placing the Harbour Board room at the disposal of the Commissioners. On the motion of Mr. McGowan, Resolved, That a letter be sent to the general manager of the New Zealand Midland Eailway Company, thanking him for his kindness in placing a special train at the disposal of the Commissioners for the purpose of seeing the New Zealand Midland Railway line to Jackson's. The Commission adjourned at 4 p.m.

Beunnebton, Wednesday, 27th Maech, 1895. The Commission sat at the Brunnerton Coal-mine Office, on Wednesday, the 27th March, 1895, at 10 a.m. ■ . Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Stevens, Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Mackenzie. Thomas Bland, Mayor of Brunnerton, and James Bishop, manager of the Brunnerton Coalmine, gave evidence. The Commission then inspected the works, and afterwards proceeded to Reefton.

Westpoet, Thuesday, 28th Maech, 1895. The Commission met at the City Council Chambers, Westport, on Thursday, the 28th March, 1895, at 7.30 p.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr. Stevens. R. McKenzie, M.H.R., introduced a deputation comprising James Suisted, John Hughes, J. Munson, William Nahr, Jules Simon, T. Bailie, James Colvin, and six other gentlemen. Mr. McKenzie asked that, in place of taking the evidence that evening, the Commission should adjourn till to-morrow, that they might then inspect the Mokihinui Mine and Railway, and take any evidence which might be forthcoming. After the deputation withdrew a discussion ensued, and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Tanner, That the original plan of proceeding to-morrow be adhered to. The deputation were then readmitted, and the Chairman stated that the Commission regretted that, as all arrangements were made for proceeding to-morrow, it was impossible to delay the departure, but that the Commission was prepared to sit and take all evidence that night. Mr. McKenzie stated that in that case no evidence would be tendered, and the deputation withdrew. After some further discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Mackenzie, That the Tariff Commission regret that the people of Westport did not avail themselves of the presence of the Commission to give evidence. On the motion of Mr. McGowan, Resolved, That a vote of thanks be passed to his Worship the Mayor for granting the use of the Council Chambers to the Commission whilst at Westport, and to Mr. J. Mills, Collector of Customs, for services rendered to the Commission. The Commission then adjourned.

Nelson, Monday, Ist Apeil, 1895. The Commission opened at the Supreme Court House, Nelson, on Monday, the Ist April, 1895, at 10.30 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Stevens. The minutes of the three previous meetings were read and confirmed. William Houlker, vinegar- and shot-maker, asked for an increased duty on imported vinegar and on loaded sporting cartridges. John Avery, of Spring Grove, president of the Nelson fruit-growers, asked that the importation of fruit from all countries affected by pests should be prohibited, and also for a higher duty on imported fruit. John George Lethaby, umbrella-maker, asked that certain materials used in his trade should be admitted free, and for a higher duty on imported umbrellas. J. C. Mercer, cycle importer and maker, asked that rubber tires be admitted free, and that no increased duty be imposed on finished imported machines. The Commission, at 1 p.m., on the motion of Mr. Hutchison, adjourned until 9.30 a.m. tomorrow, to enable members to attend the funeral during the afternoon of Bishop Suter.