W. T. GLASGOW.]

8

I.—lo

12. Mr. Aitken.] How did the Department purify that sample that you have produced?—We did not purify it. i got that sample from a certain person, but I am not at liberty to mention whom. I got it as being genuinely an article offered for sale in Wellington. 13. Sir W. R. Russell.] Do you know the cost of purification?— No. 14. These three samples that you have produced of methylated, non-methylated, and purified spirit—are you certain they are average samples of the spirit that is being used in the perfumery trade?—l think there is some confusion there. Yon mentioned methylated, non-methylated, and refined spirit. That is not quite accurate. These two samples [Indicated] are methylated spirit mineralised and methylated spirit non-mineralised. The only difference between them is this: in the mineralised methylated spirit, in addition to the proper quantity of wood-naphtha, there is | per cent, of mineral naphtha, which is a light mineral oil. 15. At any rate, you know they are fair average samples of what is being produced now in the colony? —This [Indicated] is an accurate sample of the spirit methylated in the colony under Customs supervision. I got Mr. Hustwick, our to prepare this. He took a sample of spirits of wine 60 per cent, over proof and added to it 11 per cent, of proof wood-naphtha; and in the case of this one [Indicated] he added in addition -f per cent, of mineral naphtha. So those are accurate samples. 16. You have dealt with one—the mineralised spirit. How do you know that the others which you have produced have been mineralised and ?—This one [Indicated] has not been mineralised. It is non-mineralised. 17. I thought you alluded to that as a sample that had been cleaned? —No. This one [Indicated] has been cleaned. This one [Indicated] has had 11 per cent, of wood-naphtha only added. 18. How do you know that the third sample has been mineralised?—l cannot vouch for it. It was given to me as a sample of cleaned methylated spirit, offered for sale as such. 19. You are quite certain that that is spirit that has been mineralised and subsequently cleaned ?—Yes. 20. Mr. Harding.] Is any of this being sold in the open market in Wellington? —Oh, yes. 21. Similar to that sample?— Well, of course, Ido not know, but lam told so. I have received information through the Customs officers that there is a company established in Wellington who are going into this business of cleaning methylated spirit. 22. What is the law now with regard to cleaning methylated spirit?— There is none; but if we knew they were using a still we could seize it. 23. Sir W. R. Russell.] With regard to the cleaned spirit, could not the Customs interfere with a person selling spirit that had not paid duty?—l am afraid not. If this is really methylated spirit which has been afterwards dealt with for the purpose of purifying it, it is not uncustomed spirit. The spirit has been duly entered and methylated in accordance with the law. There is nothing in the law to prevent any one from doing what he likes with that spirit after he gets delivery of it. 24. Mr. Duthie.] There is only a very nominal quantity—and a decreasing quantity —imported? —Look at the large quantity of spirit that is methylated in New Zealand—ss,ooo gallons of very strong spirit. 25. Mr. Harding.] Very strong remarks were made in the House on this Bill —that it was being introduced simply at the instance of two big firms in New Zealand—Kempthorne, Prosser, and Co. and Sharland and Co., I understand —to crush out some perfumery-makers who were starting an industr}' in the colony. What is your opinion on that point?— The bringing-in of this Bill has not been instigated by any firm. We have had no communication from any of the large manufacturing firms. The Department has introduced the Bill simply for the protection of the revenue. 26. Are there any perfumes being made?—Oh, yes. The quantity of tinctures and medicinal spirits made during 1904, in bond, amounted to 85,4671b. I think there are about 81b. to the gallon. The amount of duty collected was £3,161. 27. When was that?—ln 1904. • 28. Can you give us the figures for 1900 and 1899?— I cannot just now. I have not got the statistics for those years. 29. The Chairman.] You cannot tell us the loss just now?— Not just now, but it could easily be calculated. 30. You might look up those figures, and let us have them?— Yes; I will give you all that information. 31. Mr. Harding.] I would like to know something more about these samples. Have you had any examination made of this clarified spirit ?—Only to ascertain its specific gravity, in order to find out its strength. 32. How did it come out? —It is 48.3 per cent, over proof. 33. How does that compare with the other?— This [Indicated] will be 60 per cent, over proof. 34. There is a considerable difference there. I should say you could only make that difference by fractionating?— Very likely. 35.'You have no evidence about that at all—it is only hearsay? —That is all. I am told it could be cleaned without a still. 36. I have seen a good deal of filtration-work, and I do not believe you could make so much difference without putting the spirit through a still? —I am inclined to think they would not venture to use a still It would be too dangerous. 37. Mr. Duthie.] Could you not call the rectifier of this spirit that you have produced, as a witness, to explain how he did it?—l do not see why you should not. 38. You tell us that you do not know the means or the cost of rectification?—l would suggest that the Committee call some expert chemical analyst. I would not like before the Committee to identify any particular person or firm with this matter.