C—l 2

LXXVI

Dargavillb, Tuesday, 15th April, 1913. The Commission met at the Courthouse at 10 a.m. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Letters were received from E. Hardcastle, regarding destruction of the forest by deer; and from the Prime Minister, forwarding a communication from Mr. Ell, M.P., on the subject of scenic reservations. The following witnesses attended, and gave evidence : — Francis J. Dargaville. William T. Hunt. Peter Brown. John H. McCarroll. Edwin Harding. Wolsley Allen. James Maxwell, caretaker of the Waipoua Forest. The Commission adjourned at 4 p.m.

Auckland, Wednesday, 23rd April, 1913. The Commission met at the Government Buildings at 10 a.m. All the members were present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman reported that on 16th April {he Commission had journeyed to the Waipoua Forest, and on that date and the 17th April had proceeded right through the forest reserve. He mentioned that on the 21st April the Puhipuhi Forest had been inspected, and that during the Commission's stay at Whangarei Mr. Lionel Hamlon had interviewed the members on behalf of the Whangarei Fruitgrowers' Association, urging the advisability of State planting to meet the future requirements of the fruit industry. The Commission adjourned at 12 noon.

Auckland, Thursday, 24th Apbil, 1913. The Commission met at 10 a.m., all the members being present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The following witnesses gave evidence : — David Goldie, timber-merchant. William Arthur Gumming, architect, the president of the Auckland branch, New Zealand institute of Architects. William B. Leyland, timber-merchant. David Hay, nurseryman. August Charles Koch, District Engineer, New Zealand Railways. Henry Paul Kavanagh, retired Civil servant. Robert Craig Pollock, Government timber-measurer. Edward Bartley, architect. James. Trounson, sawmiller. Dr. McGill, District Health Officer. Alexander McColl, timber-merchant. William Johns, member of Auckland Land Board. Harry M. Skeet, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland. The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m.

On the 26th April a subcommittee, consisting of Messrs. Haszard (Chairman) and Lethbridge, journeyed via Mahoenui to Mokau, and thence to New Plymouth. The same day the other members of the Commission proceeded via Taumarunui to Pipiriki. Both parties inspected proposed reservations along the banks of the Mokau and Wanganui Rivers respectively. The Commission arrived at New Plymouth on 28th April.

New Plymouth, Wednesday, 30th April, 1913. The Commission met at the Borough Council Chamber at 10 a.m., all members being present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A deputation consisting of Messrs. W. A. Collis and R. C. Hughes (representing the Egmont National Park Board) attended and gave evidence.