1.—12.

1902. NEW ZEALAND.

JOINT AGRICULTURAL, PASTORAL, AND STOCK COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF). (Hon. J. D. ORMOND, Chairman.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly, and ordered to be printed.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE.

Extract from the Journals of the Legislative Council. Thursday, the 3bd Day of July, 1902. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 162 be suspended, and that a Select Committee be appointed to consider all matters pertaining to agricultural and pastoral industries and stock, with power to sit and confer with any similar Committee that may be appointed by the House of Representatives, and to agree to a joint or separate report ; with power to call for persons, papers, and records: to consist of ten members—viz., the Hon. Mr. Bowen, the Hon. Major Harris, the Hon. Mr. Johnston, the Hon. Mr. T. Kelly, the Hon. Mr. W. Kelly, the Hon. Mr. McLean, the Hon. Mr. Ormond. the Hon. Mr. A. L. Smith, the Hon. Mr. L. Walker, and the mover."—(Hon Mr W C Walkeb, C.M.G.) Extract from the Journals of the House, of Representatives. Tuesday, the Bth Day op July, 1902. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all matters pertaining to agricultural and pastoral industries and stock, with power to confer and sit together with any similar Committee which may be appointed by the Legislative Council, and to agree to a joint or separate report; the Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of Mr. Bollard Mr. Buddo, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Lawry, Mr. Lethbridge, Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. Massey, Hon. Major Steward, Mr. Sy'mes, and the mover." (Hon. Mr. Duncan.)

REPORTS.

Land and Live-stock Auctions Bill. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered the above Bill, recommend that it be not proceeded with during this session. 15th August, 1902.

Orchabd and Gaedbn Pests Bill. The Joint Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee, to whom was referred the Orchard and Garden Pests Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the said Bill, and recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown in the attached copy.

26th August, 1902. The Joint Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the evidence taken by them on the Orchard and Garden Pests Bill be laid on the table and be printed. (Vide also 1.-12b.) 17th September, 1902.

No. 305. —Petition of John Paer and Others. Petitioners represent that they are fruit-growers in Waikumete and surrounding districts; that they have spent labour, capital, and the best years of their lives in the planting and care of orchards; that it takes years for an orchard to attain to full bearing; that during the past few years the fruit-markets of the colony have been glutted ;. and that the proposal to plant at Wairangi and elsewhere large areas with fruit-trees will be most injust, inasmuch as it will expose them to unfair competition. They pray that any such scheme may be abandoned. The Joint Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee have the honour to report that, having given consideration to the petition of John Parr and others, they recommend that it be referred to the Government. 17th September, 1902.