I.—So

2

No. 282, 1897.— Beport on the Petition of James Foerester and 53 Others. The petitioners object to certain clauses in the Slaughtering and Inspection Bill. I have the honour to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is being dealt with by legislation, the Committee has no special recommendation to make. sth October, 1898. J. D. Ormond, Chairman.

Repoet on the Feozen-meat Industry. I have the honour to report that the Joint Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee, having considered the following report of the Extension of Commerce Committee on the frozen-meat industry, fully indorse the recommendations made by that Committee. 18th October, 1898. J. D. Oemond, Chairman.

Report op the Extension op Commerce Committee on the Feozen-meat Industry. The Extension of Commerce Committee have the honour to report, — 1. That they cordially indorse the resolution (annexed hereto) passed by the conference of delegates of the frozen-meat industry, forwarded by the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, recommending the erection of cold-stores at the London docks, and urge upon the Government to place, if necessary, an increased vote on the estimates for the purpose. 2. That they deem it desirable that efficient Government inspection for health should be held on all meat frozen for export. 3. That they do not see their way to recommend the inspection of vessels. 4. That they recommend that the Bight Hon. the Premier be requested to write to the Bight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, pointing out the injustice done to New Zealand meat-producers by the sale of mutton from the Argentine Republic and other countries as New Zealand mutton, and urging that, in the event of legislation for the regulation of the sale of foreign meat being introduced into the Imperial Legislature, the interests of New Zealand producers be protected. Robeet McNab, 28th September, 1898. Chairman of the Committee.

Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Sir, — Christchurch, sth August, 1898. I have the honour to enclose the following resolutions, which were passed at a meeting of delegates recently convened to consider certain matters in connection with the frozen-meat trade, which were discussed at the recent Agricultural Conference held in Christchurch, viz.:—■ 1. " That the Government be requested to take active measures for the erection of cold-stores at the docks, and, if necessary, increase the present vote for that purpose." 2. " That it is desirable that efficient Government inspection should be held on meat frozen for export, and on all vessels in which such meat is carried." Unanimously carried. Trusting that you will be able to give the above resolutions your best consideration, I am, &c, The Bight Hon. the Premier. J. N. Murphy, Secretary.

Fencing Act Amendment Bile. The Joint Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee, to whom the above-mentioned Bill was referred for consideration, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same, and recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed as printed. 19th October, 1898. C. J. Johnston, Acting Chairman.

Nos. 80 and 98.—Eepobt on the Petitions of C. B. Smith and 51 Others, and Joseph Smith and 7 Others. The petitioners pray that compensation be paid by the Government for all cattle destroyed by order of the Government Veterinary Surgeon. I have the honour to report that, Parliament having made provision by legislation in accordance with the prayer of the petitioners, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1898. J. D. Ormond, Chairman.

No. 247, 1897.—Report on the Petition op John Colvin. The petitioner prays for an investigation of his patent hopper for the better carriage of frozen meat, and, if approved of, that it may be adopted on the New Zealand railways. I have the honour to report that the Joint Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1898. J. D. Oemond, Chairman. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,325 copies), £1 6s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9B. Price 3d.]