XII

H.—2

At the suggestion of the Chairman, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to his Worship the Mayor for granting the use of the Council Chambers, and to E. N. Keeling, the Town Clerk, for arranging the hours of attendance of witnesses. The Commission adjourned till 10 a.m. to-morrow, at Marton.

Mabton, Wednesday, 17th Apeil, 1895. The Commission opened at the County Council Chambers, Marton, on Wednesday, 17th April, 1895, at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Stevens, Mr. Tanner, and Mr. McGowan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. No evidence was offered, and the Commission adjourned after a vote of thanks was passed to his Worship the Mayor for granting the use of the Council Chambers, and to H. Eichardson, County Clerk, for services rendered. The Commission adjourned till to-morrow at 10 a.m., at Wanganui.

Wanganui, Thursday, 18th Apeil, 1895. The Commission opened at the Courthouse, Wanganui, on Thursday, the 18th April, 1895, at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Stevens. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Secretary read a telegram received from the Hon. the Premier's secretary, stating that an extension of time was granted to the 15th May next. Eesolved to acknowledge receipt, and to say that it was thought a further extension of time was inevitable. John Stevenson, manager New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company, asked that the duty on woolpacks and on sheep-drench should be removed. Hugh Williamson, chemist, attended, and pointed out anomalies in the tariff affecting chemists. Charles W. Poynter, representing A. D. Willis, and David Blair, Principal of the Technical School, gave evidence on the question of drawing-books used in schools. Henry Walkem, representing Mr. Martin, photographer, and W. H. T. Parkinton, photographer, asked that the duty on sensitized paper be removed. Frederick Morris Spurdle, manager, Wanganui Sash and Door Company, asked for the removal of the duty on certain sawmilling plant. P. D. Hogg, importer, representing certain importers, pointed out certain anomalies in the drapery trade. Joseph Soler, wine-manufacturer, protested against the duty being removed from Australian wines. The Commission adjourned at 4 p.m. till to-morrow at 10 a.m.

Wanganui, Feiday, 19th Apeil, 1895. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. McGowan, Mr. Tanner, and Mr. Stevens. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Joseph Paul, draper, attended and pointed out certain anomalies in the tariff affecting the drapery trade. The Secretary read a telegram from Mr. Larchen, Chief Clerk, Customs Department, Wellington, stating that the Government Printer complained of the inconvenience of any revises being allowed after they had been put in " chase " form and paged. Resolved, That all further corrections should be made in the proof-sheets, and that Mr. Larchen be informed accordingly, and that he be asked to attend and see that the necessary alterations made in the proof are inserted in the revise. On the motion of Mr. McGowan, Resolved, That a hearty vote of thanks be passed to his Honour Judge Kettle for granting the use of the Courtroom, and a similar vote to A. Elliott, Collector of Customs, for arranging the hours of attendance of witnesses. The Commission adjourned till to-morrow at 10 a.m., at New Plymouth.

New Plymouth, Satueday, 20th Apeil, 1895. The Commission opened at the Courthouse, New Plymouth, at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, and Mr. McGowan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Secretary read a telegram from Mr. Stevens, M.H.E., from Marton, stating that the Premier would consent to print the evidence as a parliamentary paper if consent asked for and reasons assigned. On the motion of Hon. Major Steward, Resolved, That the Commission desires to represent to the Government that a large saving would be effected by authorising the printing of a sufficient number of copies of the evidence for a parliamentary paper, as, if only the number required for the use of the Commission is now printed, the type will be broken up and the evidence have to be set up again at great expense. It is therefore respectfully recommended that the necessary authorisation be given accordingly. Daniel Berry, ironmonger, pointed out certain anomalies in the ironmongery trade.

vii—H. 2.