E. HANNAH.]

15

I.—9c

same machinery, the same methods in every respect; the only difference being that the hours of work in New Zealand are shorter 104. The wages are higher?—Yes. That is a well-known fact. 105. Has the export of hides got much to do with the cost of material?—Everything to do with it. J 5 106. There is nothing for a New Zealand manufacturer to be ashamed of in allowing the brand " New Zealand" to be placed upon the Dominion's goods?—l am very sorry to say Ido not think so. Of course, one has to speak from experience, and if it were known that one did not import I have no hesitation in saying that one's business would fall off very considerably, with a particular falling-off in the number of lady customers. 107 _ Therefore, for the purpose of carrying on a satisfactory trade you do not think it would be wise, in the interests of the trade, to brand locally made goods?—Certainly not. Our instructions to our salesmen for some years have been to put our own stuff forward. 108. Mr McLaren.] Has the amount of imported goods increased in greater proportion to the production?—No, I would not say that. I have no hesitation in saying, and I say it feelingly, that every manufacturer in New Zealand has the sole aim and intention to push colonial manufactures. 109. The importation of goods that could be made in the colonies is being well sustained? Yes. 110. How do the profits on the sales of imported goods compare with those on the locally manufactured goods?—There is the same basis for the two. 111 There is no difference?—Not on the whole, because we work on a certain percentage. All our stuff is marked in plain figures. 112 The profit on one class is not higher than on the other? —Except in the high-grade evening shoes, and we do not do much in regard to them in the colony 113. What are the minimum award rate's of pay?—Forty-five shillings. I think from the last returns it was shown that there were only some seven or eight working in New Zealand at that rate, and that class of man does not pay the manufacturer 114. You mentioned men receiving £4 10s. are they foremen ?—They are experts on machines. Witness You were talking of imposing further restrictions on holidays, and I have here some information regarding the matter Every holiday costs my firm £45 os. 2d., not taking into account heads of departments, that is simply for labour paid. Taking heads of departments, foremen, rents, and so forth, also, it means from £60 to £70 a day 115. Mr Eraser ] How many of these days have you in a year?—l am afraid I cannot tell you exactly, but there are probably about seven or eight. I can stand by the figures I have just given you. 116. The Chairman.] Did you say you paid the whole of your men for these holidays?—No. 117 Simply the apprentices, foremen, and shop-assistants?—Yes. 118. And it works out to the amount stated? —Yes.

APPENDIX.

Wellington Trades and Labour Council, Cuba Street, Wellington, 13th October, 1910. Dear Sir, — By direction of above Council I am instructed to inform you that my Council approves of the main provisions in amending Bill to Factories Act. We did" not deem it necessary to give evidence on the Bill, as anything that is for the better conditions of the workers we are in accord with. There is only one thing we should like to have inserted, and that is, in regard to label "Made in New Zealand," that the name of the factory where the article was made should also appear on the label. I remain, &c, Fredk. Reyling, Mr Arnold, Chairman, Labour Bills Committee. Secretary Approximate Cost of Paper— Preparation, not given; printing (1,500 copies), £810s.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9lo Price 6d.]