XIII

Pl.— 2

W. A. Collis, photographer, pointed out certain anomalies affecting the photographic trade. Newton King, auctioneer, asked that vegetable-parchment, used for packing butter, be admitted free. Frederick Goodacre, bootmaker, foreman of the Egmont Boot-factory, asked for an additional duty on certain inferior kinds of imported boots, and that certain leathers should be admitted free. Edward Vickers, of Inglewood, auctioneer, and a member of the firm of Vickers and Stevens, asked for the removal of the duty on Simpson's calf-meal. H. Goodacre, boot-manufacturer and importer, gave evidence as to the duty affecting the boot trade. The Commission adjourned at 3 p.m. till Monday next, at 10 a.m.

New Plymouth, Monday, 22nd Apeil, 1895. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Tanner. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A telegram was received and read from Mr. Stevens, M.H.E., stating that the Hon. the Premier had given the necessary authority for the requisite printing, in accordance with resolution of Commission. As no witnesses were in attendance, the Commission adjourned.

New Plymouth, Tuesday, 23ed Apeil, 1895. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Tanner. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Chew Chong, merchant, attended and gave evidence. ' The Commission adjourned at 11 a.m. till to-morrow at 3 p.m., at Auckland. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. McGowan, That a hearty vote of thanks be passed to — Nixon, Collector of Customs, New Plymouth, for arranging the hours of attendance of witnesses, &c.

Auckland, Wednesday, 24th Apeil, 1895. The Commission met at the Harbour Board Offices, on Wednesday, the 24th April, 1895, at 3 p.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Tanner, Mr. McGowan, and Mr. Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Some correspondence was perused and ordered to be acknowledged. A number of applications to give evidence were received, and a time fixed for taking same. The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m. till to-morrow at 10 a.m.

Auckland, Thuesday, 25th Apeil, 1895. The Commission met 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. Some further applications to give evidence were received, and a time appointed for taking same. Frederick Crosby, of the firm of Hansen and Crosby, writers and gilders, gave evidence on the brush-making business, and asked that an increased duty be put on certain brushware. James Wilkinson, George Perrett, and George Perrett. jun., gave evidence, and asked that increased duty be put on tips, heel- and toe-plates. James Chambers, director, and Samuel Parker, manager, Galvanised-iron Works, Auckland, gave evidence, and asked for an increased duty on corrugated iron and plain galvanised iron. M. Kirkbride, president of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and Eobert Hall, secretary, were introduced by Mr. Massey, M.H.E., as a deputation from the association, and gave evidence pointing out certain anomalies in the tariff affecting farmers and agriculturalists. Thomas Bell, of the Union Oil and Candle Company, Auckland, asked for an increased duty on imported soap, and for a duty on linseed-oil and linseed. Edward Hogan gave evidence on corn-growing, and asked for a higher duty on imported American and Italian brooms. Henry Lipscombe, fruit importer, gave evidence, and asked for a reduction of duty on imported fruit. Alexander Bell Donald, of the firm of Donald and Edenborough, attended, and gave evidence on the fruit imports from the islands. Arthur H. Taylor, wine-merchant, attended in reference to an application of his concerning Australian wines, and asked leave to withdraw his application. After discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. McGowan, That Mr. Taylor be allowed to withdraw his letter ; and the letter was returned to Mr. Taylor. Edward Falkner, umbrella-maker, asked for additions to the free-list of materials for umbrellamaking, but that no additional duty be placed on imported umbrellas. The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m. till to-morrow at 10 a.m.