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No. 161. Messrs. Atkinson and Co. to the Mayor of Auckland, forwarded to Commissioners on Local Industries. Sir,—- Newmarket, 17th April, 1880. We see by advertisement that you request all those interested in local industries to send any information as to the best means of fostering such industries. We beg to state that we have, after much time and money spent, succeeded in utilizing the waste kauri-gum dust, of which there are thousands of tons, and making a very superior paint-oil from it, and also all kinds of varnishes, which are admitted by the public to bo equal to the imported varnishes, and cheaper than the English, but 'not cheaper than the American, which are sent into this market and sold in the auction-rooms in large quantities. It would benefit us and the province at large it' there was a heavier duty imposed on imported varnishes ; because there is a very large trade done both in varnish and paint-oil, and there is very little reason in sending the raw material away to another country to be sent back to us in its manufactured state, when we are in such pressing need of employment for the growing youth of the colony. If the business men of the colony, and especially the Government, would assist these growing industries, by giving them the preference, when found to be of equal merit, instead of being so anxious to run iv the old groove and deal with the importers, many industries that are now languishing would be bright and prosperous, and a new day would be dawning for young New Zealand. Trusting you will excuse the length of this epistle, We have, &c, Atkinson and Co.

Confectionery. No. 162. Mr. Joseph Stacey to the Royal Commission on Local Industries. Gentlemen-, — Auckland, 19th April, 1880. 1 beg to draw your attention to the large amount of confectionery imported—namely, several tons per month—which could be manufactured locally. If the manufacturers were protected by an additional Id. per pound duty, making 3d. per pound instead of 2d., it would be an inducement to local manufacturers to compete with English goods. The Government would not lose any revenue, as local manufacturers would use more sugar, for which duty is paid. The extra Id. per pound on confectionery (making it 3d. per pound duty) would be equivalent to the bulk of confectionery at 2d. I have, &c, Joseph Stacet.

No. 163. Mr. E. "Waters to the Chairman of the Royal Commission on Local Industries. Sib,— Auckland, 13th April, 1880. I take the liberty of addressing you in order to lay before you a few facts in connection with the confectionery industry in this part of the colony, and to point out a few of the drawbacks which operate to retard its development. Regarding my own business, I produce for home consumption nearly five thousand pounds' worth of sweetmeats, such as lozenges, comfits, &c, every year ; and my goods are acknowledged by competent analysts and connoisseurs to be superior to the English makes which flood the New Zealand markets. Notwithstanding the pronounced superiority of my goods, and the fact that I produce them at a cost which almost equals that at which the English makes can be sold for here, merchants use every effort—whether through a senseless prejudice against local home industries or not Ido not know—to shut out my confections from the small traders. I employ seven hands in. my factorj r at good wages, and would probably be in a position to employ another ten if reasonable assistance were given by the tariff io my industry. I believe that an addition of 2d. per pound to the duty on lozenges, comfits, jujubes, &c, would not inflict any hardships upon any section of the colonists, while it would stimulate an industry which would employ a large number of workmen, the wages of whom are now sent out of the colony, to its consequent impoverishment. I believe if some relief could be given in the way of admitting a portion of the raw material used in my business, such as gum arabic and almonds, duty free, lam convinced that JjJie loss to the revenue would be comparatively trifling. I hope that you will have the goodness to bring the matter under the notice of the Commission, and that the latter will graciously consider in a favourable spirit the suggestions I have put forward. I have, &c, E. Waters.

No. 164. Evidence of Edward Waters, Confectioner, taken before Messrs. Commissioners Tinne and Burns. Auckland, 30th April, 1880. My name is Edward Waters, I am a confectioner in Queen Street, Auckland, and have resided in Auckland about eighteen years. Referring to my request contained in my letter for an increase of duty, I am of opinion that the consumer would not pay any higher price for the goods, as there are sufficient manufacturers to prevent monopoly. It would simply transfer the trade from the importer to the colonial manufacturer; the consumer would eventually purchase the goods at a cheaper rate. It would materially assist the development of this industry if a drawback on sugar was allowed to the manufacturer. I produce samples of goods manufactured by Keiler, of Dundee, Paul Bros., of Melbourne, and my own, for comparison. If gum-arabic was admitted free for manufacturing purposes it would materially assist this industry. I pay from 40s. to 70s. per week for my labour. Edward Waters. Referring to Mr. Waters's samples, we unhesitatingly state that his goods are infinitely superior in purity aud workmanship and appearance to either the British or Australian goods produced. A. J. Burns, Theodobe F, S. Tinne, Commissioners.

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