XLII

H.—24

Evidence. Mr. MeCall (of Mataura) was called for, but, not being present, Mr. W. H. Brent (president, Suwmillers , Association) was examined from 10 a.m. to 12.10 p.m. Mr. A. Bain (chairman, Builders' Association) was examined at 12.10 p.m. The Commission adjourned from 1 to 2 p.m. On resuming,— Mr. A. Bain's examination was continued till 3 p.m. Mr. E. R. Wilson (architect) was examined from 3 to 4.25 p.m. Mr. F. L. Vickery (secretary, Builders' Association) was examined from 4.25 to 5.20 p.m. Mr. William Stead (furniture-maker) was examined from 5.20 to 5.50 p.m. It was decided to call Mr. James More as the first witness on Tuesday. Information required. Moved by Mr. Field, That information be obtained from the Department in charge of the building of workers' homes as to the various items of cost in the construction of the cottages. Moved by Mr. Barber, That information be also obtained giving a comparison of the difference of cost between erecting cottages in wood, brick, and concrete. Agreed to. The Commission adjourned at 6 p.m.

Invercargill, Tuesday, 30th March, 1909. The fourth meeting of the Commission was held in the Ministerial Room of the Post-office, Invercargill, on Tuesday, the 30th March, 1909, at 9.50 a.m. ['resent: The Hon. T. Y. Duncan (Chairman), and all the members. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Evidence. The following witnesses gave evidence : — Mr. James More was called, but was not present. Mr. C. A. "Piper (Railway Traffic Manager), 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mr. James Leggatt, builder, 11 a.m. to 12.55 p.m. Mr. E. H. Wilmot, Commissioner of Crown Lands, 12.55 to 1.10 p.m. The Commission adjourned from 1.10 to 2 p.m. On resuming, Mr. James Collins, timber expert, from 2 to 3.5 p.m. Mr. T. O'Byrne, secretary, Sawmill-workers' Union, 3.5 to 4.15 p.m. Mr. W. R. Riddel, furniture-maker, 4.15 to 4.55 p.m. Mr. J. P. Ridings, Collector of Customs, 4.55 to 5 p.m. Mr. F t . J. Broad, timber-merchant and sawmiller, 5.5 to 5.35 p.m. The Commission then adjourned.

Inveroargill, Wednesday, 31st March, 1909. On the morning of Wednesday, the 31st March, the Commission inspected the creosote-works belonging to the Railway Department. The fifth meeting of the Commission was held in the Ministerial Room of the Post-oflice, Invercargill, mi Wednesday, the 31st March, 1909, at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. T. Y. Duncan (Chairman), and all the members. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Evidence. Mr. A. J. McCredie, District Railway Engineer, was examined from 10.15 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mi. C. A. Piper, re-examined from 11.5 to 11.15 a.m. Thanks. Moved by Mr. Field, seconded by Mr. Leyland, That members of the Commission desire to convey their sincere thanks to all those who have so kindly extended hospitality to them during their stay in Invercargill.—Carried. The Chairman expressed the appreciation of the Commission of the free and fair manner iti which the witnesses at Invercargill had given their evidence. The Commission then adjourned to Dunedin.

Dunedin, Thursday, Ist April, 1909. The sixth meeting of this Commission was held in the City Council Chamber Dunedin on Thursday, the Ist April, 1909, at 9.45 a.m. Present: The Hon. T. Y. Duncan (Chairman), and all the members. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.