A.—4

Fbiday, 22nd March, 1901. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Hon. Colonel Pitt, M.L.C. (in the chair), Mr. H. Beauchamp, Hon. 0. C. Bowen, M.L.C., Mr. T. W. Leys, Mr. C. M. Luke, Mr. J. A. Millar, M.H.E., Mr. W. S. Eeid, Mr. J. Eoberts, C.M.G., and Hon. Major Steward, M.H.E. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Hon. J. M. Creed, M.L.C, G. Butter (stonemason, and secretary of the Trades Hall, Sydney), and E. Little (grain merchant) attended and gave evidence. A letter was read from the Hon. J. M. Creed, enclosing an extract from the political column of Melbourne Punch, and was received. A letter was received from G. C. Craig, 70, Hunter Street, accompanying a copy of a work by himself on the subject of Federal defence, and offering to give evidence on the subject. The Secretary was instructed to thank Mr. Craig, and to inform him that, as the Commission had already obtained the necessary expert evidence on the subject, his attendance would not be required. A letter was received from the Hon. A. W. Meeks, saying that pressure of business would prevent his attendance before the Commission this week, but he would be pleased to appear next week. The Secretary was instructed to arrange a time for Monday next. The Secretary was also instructed to endeavour to arrange on Monday for the attendance of the Hon. G. H. Eeid, the Hon. Sir George Dibbs, and an officer from the Agricultural Department. The Commission adjourned at 3.45 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Monday.

Monday, 25th Maech, 1901. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Hon. Colonel Pitt, M.L.C. (in the chair), Mr. H. Beauchamp, Hon. C. C. Bowen, M.L.C, Mr. T. W. Leys, Mr. C. M. Luke, Mr. J. A. Millar, M.H.E., Mr. W. S. Eeid, Mr. J. Eoberts, C.M.G., and Hon. Major Steward, M.H.E. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. B. Dowling, J. P. (secretary of the Australasian Federation League of New South Wales), and W. Preedy (clerk in the Agricultural Department of New South Wales) attended and gave evidence. A letter was received from E. J. Black, regretting his inability to give evidence, owing to his having to leave Sydney for several days. Letters were forwarded to the Hon. the Premier of Victoria, informing him that the Commission would be in Melbourne from about the Ist April to the Bth. A letter was received from E. L. Nash, enclosing the financial information promised by him to the Commission; and the Secretary was instructed to thank him for the same. A letter was received from W. F. Schey, Labour Commissioner, enclosing information regarding the classification and registration of the unemployed; and the Secretary was instructed to acknowledge the same with thanks. The Hon. A. W. Meeks, M.L.C. (of Gibbs, Bright, and Co.), attended and gave evidence. Sir George Dibbs, K.C.M.G. (managing trustee of the Government Savings-bank of New South Wales), attended and gave evidence. The Commission accepted an invitation from the Agricultural Department of New South Wales to visit the Agricultural College at Eiehmond, in the Hawkesbury district, to-morrow, Tuesday, 26th March. The Secretary reported that he had seen the Hon. G. H. Eeid, who was still extremely busy, but thought he would possibly be able to attend when the Commission returned to Sydney in about three weeks' time. Letters were forwarded to the Eight Hon. E. Barton, P.C. (Federal Premier), and the Hon. J. See, M.P. (Chief Secretary), thanking them for the consideration shown to the Commission during their stay in Sydney. The Commission accepted an invitation from Mr. Mort for the afternoon of Wednesday, 17th April, to inspect his works. The Commission adjourned at 4.45 p.m. until Friday, 29th March, at an hour to be fixed, at Hobart.

EICHMOND. On 26th March the Commission met at the Agricultural College, Eiehmond, at 11.15 a.m. G. Valder, Principal of the Agricultural College, attended and gave evidence. The Commission inspected the college and farm, and adjourned at 4.30 p.m.

HOBAET. Friday, 29th Maech, 1901. The Commission met at 2.30 p.m. in a room in the Chief Secretary's department, Hobart. Present: Hon. Colonel Pitt, M.L.C. (in the chair), Mr. H. Beauchamp, Hon. C. C. Bowen, M.L.C, Mr. T. W. Leys, Mr. C. M. Luke, Mr. J. A. Millar, M.H.E., Mr. W. S. Eeid, Mr. J. Eoberts, C.M.G., nd Hon. Major Steward, M.H.E.

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