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only very slowly, and with very great reluctance, that we have been forced to the conclusion that none of the schemes submitted to us would attain the objects which the Government had in view, and that we ourselves are unable, after repeated attempts, to devise any proposal free from grave inherent disadvantages. 70. The steps by which we have arrived at this conclusion are already stated, and we will not repeat them, but before closing our report we desire to refer to one consideration which the course of our inquiry has strongly impressed upon us. It is that a large and constantly increasing number of the industrial population of this country do, already, by prudence, self-reliance, and self-denial make their old age independent and respected. We entertain a strong hope that the improvement which is constantly taking place in the financial and moral conditions of labour will do much to deprive the problem we have had to consider of the importance now attaching to it." Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,375 copies), £3 155. 6d

By Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer.—lB99. Price 6rf.]