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H.—2.

XLVIII

The Commission concluded the consideration of the items in the tariff, and appointed the Chairman and Messrs. Tanner, Glasgow (Secretary of Customs), and Kane (Secretary to Commission) to have the items arranged in order and printed for final consideration. Messrs. Stevens, Mackenzie, and McGowan were appointed to consider the papers referred to the Commission by Cabinet on the cyanide process. The Commission adjourned at 10.30 p.m. until 2 p.m. to-morrow.

Wellington, Friday, 24th May, 1895. The Commission met at 2 p.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. Mackenzie, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Glasgow. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Hon. Major Steward brought up a printed revise of the classified items of the tariff. Mr. McGowan stated that Messrs. Stevens, Mackenzie, and himself had gone through the papers on the cyanide process, and, from inquiries they made, they ascertained the Government were now taking steps in the matter, and it was therefore not necessary for the Commissioners to do anything further. On the motion of the Hon. Major Steward, Resolved, That the Secretary have the minutes printed forthwith. On the motion of the Hon. Major Steward, Resolved, That the Chairman and Mr. Tanner be appointed a sub-committee to rearrange the items of the tariff under appropriate headings; also, that the Chairman and Mr. Tanner be requested to prepare the draft report. The Commission then considered the reserved items in the tariff; and it was resolved that a statement of the items in the proposed tariff be printed. The Commission then adjourned, at 7 p.m., till Tuesday at 10.30 a.m., it being understood that the draft report be prepared in the meantime.

Wellington, Tuesday, 28th May, 1895. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Some correspondence was received and ordered to be acknowledged. The Chairman brought up a revise of the amended Customs tariff, and the Commission went through same for final revise. Resolved, That the same be printed as finally revised. The Chairman brought up a written draft report. Some discussion ensued as to whether divisions should be now taken on the various items, or whether, after perusal, the report should be printed for approval, and that then any divisions be recorded. On the motion of Mr. Stevens, Resolved, That a revise of the draft report be printed, and in the meantime no record of the divisions be placed on the minutes, but that when the printed revise is under consideration the divisions and proceedings be then recorded. Mr. Mackenzie dissented. After some further discussion on the draft report, it was resolved, That the same be printed for perusal and approval. The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Wellington, Wednesday, 29th May, 1895. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Hon. Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Tanner, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr. McGowan. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The following draft report was submitted by the Chairman : — To His Excellency the Right Honourable David, Earl of Glasgow; Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George : Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand, and Vice-Admiral of the same. May it please your Excellency,— We, the members of the Commission appointed by your Excellency on the 26th of January last " to inquire into the incidence and working of the present tariff of Customs and excise duties and exemptions, in relation to the producing and manufacturing industries, and the trade and commerce of the colony ; and to report upon what changes are necessary or desirable for the further encouragement of production, manufacture, and trade, as far as they are affected by the law now in force," have the honour to report as follows : — The Commission assembled in Wellington on the 4th day of February, and, after examining witnesses in that city, proceeded to the South Island, returning thence on sth