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1874. NEW ZEALAND.

EXCISE DUTIES, (REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON).

Beport Drought up and ordered to le printed, 4dth August, 1874.

ORDERS OP REPERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. ThUBSDAY, THE 23ED DAT OF JULY, 1874. Ordered, That a Select Committee of twelve members bo appointed, with power to call for persons and papers, to report in eight days (five to be a quorum), to inquire,—Whether the proposed increase of excise duties is inconsistent with good faith to those who have embarked in the business of distilling ? Whether it would be expedient to altogether stop the distillation of spirits in the Colony ; and upon what terms such measure could be adopted ?—The Committee to consist of Major Atkinson, Mr. Bryce, Mr. Hunter, Captain Kenny, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Ormond, Mr. Reid, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. May, Mr. Tolmic, Sir J. C. Wilson, CIS., and the Mover. — (Son. Mr. Reynolds.) Fbipay, the 24th DAT of July, 1874. Ordered, That the Petitions of Parmers and Settlers in Otago, and the New Zealand Distillery Company, be referred to the Excise Committee. — (Mr. T. Kelly.) Peiday, the 31st day op July, 1874. Ordered, That the name of Mr. Webb be added to the Excise Committee, and that Mr. Montgomery be discharged from serving thereon.— (Hon. Mr. Reynolds.)

EEPOET. The Select Committee to whom were referred the questions, Whether the proposed increase of excise duties is inconsistent with good faith to those who have embarked in the business of distilling ? and Whether it would be expedient to altogether stop the distillation of spirits in the colony; and upon what terms such measure could be adopted ? have the honor to report that they have carefully considered the subject, and have come to the following resolutions : — 1. That the proposed increase of excise duties is not inconsistent with good faith to those who have embarked in the business of distilling. 2. That it is inexpedient to altogether stop distillation of spirits in the colony. 3. That, having in view the loss to the revenue from distillation under the present excise duties, and also that the parties now engaged in distillation have expressed their willingness to accept compensation, the Committee is of opinion that the Government should endeavour to arrange with the parties now engaged in distilling, on equitable terms, and with due consideration to their claims. Which resolutions they recommend for adoption by the House. W. H. Reynolds, 4th August, 1874, Chairman.