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have communication with the interior; but, as it is now, it is a mockery to hold out any inducement to our settlers of this extreme North to attempt anything of the sort. My chief and, 1 may say, my only suggestion to the Commission is, Give us roads ;we have the land. With roads come population, and consequently personal, local, and colonial prosperity; without roads or means of access to ports and markets, any support the Government might give to local industries would be squandered. There have been indications of coal seen in several parts of the county —-at Mongonui, Awanui, and lately at Whangowa. If the Government could be persuaded to grant a sum of £500 or so to test these particular places, it would not require any further assistance to carry this industry on in case coal was found in quantities. I have, &c, lioBEET M. Houston, Chairman, C. C.

No. 182, The Chaieman, Clyde County Council, to the Chairman of the Local Industries Commission. Sib,— County Council Office, Clyde, Wairoa, 6th April, 1880. I have the honor to supply in the margin* hereof a short list of existing industries in this county. With regard to fostering and encouraging new industries, I have to submit the following:— Ist. Tanning. —That a premium should be offered for the production of trees affording a bark suitable for tanning purposes. 2nd. Flour. —That a bonus should be offered for the first ton of dressed flour produced in the district. 3rd. Paper. —That a bonus should be offered for the production of paper. I have, &c, W. F. Smaet, County Chairman.

No. 183. The Secbetaby, Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, to the Chairman of the Local Industries Commission. Sib,— Christchurch, 9th April, 1880. I have the honor, by direction, to acknowledge receipt of your circular letter of 17th March re local industries; and I am instructed, in reply thereto, to hand you copy of resolution passed at a special, general meeting of members, held on the 7th November last, for the consideration of same question :— " This Chamber is of opinion that relief may be afforded to local industries by the remission of Customs duties on articles imported and used for manufacturing purposes." I have, &c, James A. Bied, Secretary.

No. 184. The Masteeton Bobotjgh Council Office to the Chairman of the Local Industries Commission, Timaru. Sir,— Town Clerk's Office, Council Chambers, Masterton, 10th April, 1880. I have the honor, by the direction of the Borough Council, to enclose a copy of the suggestions and information relating to this district, as prepared by the Borough Council in accordance with your invitation. I have, &c, E. Beown, Town Clerk.

The following is a list of the local industries at present existing in the Masterton District, Wellington:—1 water-power flour-mill, 1 steam-power flour-mill, 2 steam sash and door factories, 2 steam saw-mills, 2 breweries, I soda-water and cordial factory, 2 nurseries. Chief productions : Timber, grain, wool, hides, tallow. The Council respectfully offers the following suggestions with reference to the establishment of new industries in this district:— Ist. A woollen factory.—There are large water-powers in all directions in the district, capable of being utilized for mills or factories at but little trouble and expense, there being a manageable river, with sufficient incline to serve a mill at about every ten chains. Easy communication by rail with Wellington, as an emporium, the distance being only sixty-five miles. The district is a great woolgrowing one: the quantity leaving the district annually is estimated at 4,000 bales, equal to about 600 tons, chiefly long-wool. Not a particle of this can be manufactured here yet, for want of capital. Masterton being the centre of the population of the district, and rapidly increasing in inhabitants, an industry of this kind is very desirable, to settle people in the place. 2nd. Oatmeal factory. —This district being also a considerable growing one, particularly of oats, there is an opening for the establishment of a manufactory of oatmeal, groats, &c. There is a steady and increasing consumption of oatmeal here, and at present the article is imported in large quantities. The oats produced in the district could be converted into meal, and placed in the market locally at a much less cost than the imported article. There are plenty of energetic people here who would embark in such an enterprise, but they are deterred by want of capital. 3rd. Pottery. —There is a large quantity of fine clay in the district, suitable for the manufacture of all kinds of potters' ware.

*Brickmaking (2), fellmongery (1), ropemaking (2), hop-drying (1), whaling (12 boats).