H.—22

25

186 and 187. Messrs. J. Eenshaw and John H. Smith,Grahamstown, 13th April, 1880. —Eequestingthat as many pounds of blasting-powder as they may require in any one day may be issued on one license, instead of a separate license for each 50-lb. as at present; asking also that miners' shovels may be admitted free. 188. The Chamber of Commerce, Invercargill, 14th April, 1880, —Eecommending a system of liberal bonuses for the production of manufactured goods, in order to equalize in some degree the difference in the rate of wages between this and older countries. 189. Auckland Working-men's Political Association, 16th April, 1880.—Forwarding their suggestions as to alterations in the tariff, and drawing attention to the competition by American bottoms on this coast, and to the encouragement of sugar-refineries and paper-manufactories in the colony. 190. Mr. W. Service, Karangahape Road. Auckland, 17th April, 1880.—Eecommending the adaptation of the American plan of offering free grants of land or a remission of taxes to induce men of capital to establish factories in the colony. 191. Mr. James Hanan, Invercargill, 17th April, 1880.—Giving a list of articles which might be produced in the colony, instead of depending upon importation—namely, monumental stone, linseed-oil, paints, window-glass, bar-iron, cement, brickmaking-machines, pickles, and paper for newspapers, 192. Mr. J. L. Sinclair, Auckland, 25th March, 1880.—Stating that he drew up a tabular statement of the industrial progress of the colony, which was printed in the Weiv Zealand Herald of 3rd January, 1880, and which might be useful for reference. 193. 19th April, 1880. —Enclosing copies of correspondence with the Hon. Donald Eeid, in 1877, on the subject of fostering new industries in the colony: and recommending the establishment of a central Board of Trade, Manufactures, and Commerce, or the appointment of a Minister of Agriculture and Commerce. 194. The Chairman, County Council, Whangarei, 21st April, 1880.—Giving a list of existing industries, and suggesting the opening-up of the district by the formation of good roads and railways. 195. Mr. J. J. Macdonald, Winton, Southland, 23rd April, 1880. —Suggesting that lime should be carried by rail at the same rates as native coal, as lime is such a necessity on the cold, wet lands in parts of Southland. 196. Mr. Eichard Morris, Waikiwi, 23rd April, 1880. —Asking for assistance to enable him to develop a fire-escape of which he is the inventor, sending a sketch, and a certificate from the District Engineer. 197. The Chairman, County Council, Cartertou, 18th May, 1880.—Eecommending the fostering of quick means of communication with foreign markets —namely, England, Queensland, New Caledonia, and Fiji —thereby enabling the colony to dispose of its produce. The Exhibition of Local Industries at CiiRiSTcmjECH. 198. The Hon. the Premier, Government Offices, Wellington, 27-fti July, 1880. —Forwarding the report of a Committee appointed to inspect the Exhibition of Colonial Industries at Christchurch. 199. Mr. E. Wakefield, Christchurch, 21th July, 1880.—Eeporting on the Exhibition of Colonial Industries at Christchurch, and forwarding various communications received. 200. Mr. Piper, Christchurch. —Notes on the tinware trade, and stating that in the commoner class of tinware manufacturers can hold their own, but in the better class of goods they cannot compete with the importer; and asking for an increase of duty on such goods. 201. Messrs. B. Hale and Co., Christchurch, 20th July, 1880.—Stating that they are exhibiting one of their own make of aprons for reaping-and-binding machines, and pointing out that they have to pay heavy duty on the raw material, duck and ash sticks, while the importers get them in free as extras. Also that when tenders for tarpaulins are called for by the Eailway Department more time should be given. 202. Deputation of hat-manufacturers.—Bringing to notice that they, as journey men-hatters, are under great disadvantages with regard to the importers, and requesting that a protective duty may be put upon hats. 203. W. Moor and Sons, carriage-builders, Christchurch, 20th July, 1880.—Stating the advantages to their trade since the duty has been taken off most of the material used by them. 204. Mr. A. G. Howland, carriage-builder, Christchurch, 21st July, 1880.—Giving information as to the number of hands employed in the trade at Christchurch, and the rate of wages. 205. Mr. A. £L Howland, 22nd July, 1880.—Stating that he is not able to compete with the cheap surplus stock that is imported, and recommending an additional duty of 5 per cent. Suggests the planting of hickory, oak, ash, and elm trees on the railway reserves. 206. Alexander Aulsebrook, Christchurch, 22nd July, 1880.—Bringing to notice his manufacture of cardboard boxes, and asking for protection. 207. F. Jenkins, City Steam Saw-mills, Christchurch, 23rd July, 1880.—Forwarding a list of articles that he exhibited, showing that there is no necessity for importing such goods. 4—H. 22.