H.—l2

1898. NEW ZEALAND.

KAURI-GUM INDUSTRY (REPORT AND EVIDENCE OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON).

Laid on the Table of both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency the Governor.

COMMISSION.

To all to whom these presents shall come, and to Edwabd Tbegeae, Esquire, of Wellington, Secretary of the Department of Labour and Chief Inspector of Factories, and Geehabd John Muellee, Esquire, of Auckland, Chief Surveyor and Commissioner of Crown Lands : Greeting. Wheeeas representations have been made from time to time to the Government of the colony as to the conditions and status of persons engaged in the industry of procuring and getting kauri-gum in the Provincial District of Auckland, and as to the mode of selling and disposing such gum, and also as to the existence and nature of contract labour alleged to be employed or imported in the said industry, together with its effect in regard to other labour employed or engaged therein ; and that the lands of the Crown are impoverished without adequate royalties being paid therefor or commensurate collateral benefit being received by the colony ; and that those engaged in the industry are not fairly treated in the sale of the gum produced, in that conditions are imposed which are detrimental to their well-being : Now know ye that, in pursuance and exercise of all powers and authorities me enabling in this behalf, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the Colony of New Zealand, I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Eanfurly, Governor of the said colony, do hereby appoint you, the said Edwaed Teegeab and Geehaed John Muellee, to be Commissioners for the purpose of inquiring into the matters hereinbefore set forth, and also, in particular,— 1. To report on the condition of the gum trade, industrially and commercially : 2. To report on the condition of those engaged and occupied in digging the gum, and the remuneration received by them, and, as to sale, whether there is freedom of contract or not: 3. To ascertain if there has been a large influx of labourers from outside the colony to the gum-diggings, and, if so, whether the same are free labourers or under contract: I—H. 12.