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to the application to the Government, and asking him to state what time and place would be most convenient for him to appear before the Commissioners. The Commissioners passed the remainder of the sitting examining plans and documents connected with the inquiry. The Commissioners adjourned at 1 p.m. to Monday, the 13th October.

Monday, 13th October, 1890. The Commissioners met at 10 a.m. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman read telegrams received from the Hon. the Premier and the Under Colonial Secretary, authorising the Commissioners to summon such witnesses as they might find necessary, and the payment of expenses where unavoidable. Mr. Martin Kennedy, having been sworn, gave evidence before the Commission. His evidence was taken down. The Commissioners adjourned at 4 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next day.

Tuesday, 14th October, 1890. The Commissioners met at 9.30 a.m. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Martin Kennedy attended and resumed his evidence, which was concluded at 1 p.m. His evidence was taken down. Mr. Andrews and Mr. Boase waited on the Commission on behalf of the Amalgamated Miners' and Labourers' Association of New Zealand, and a letter was received from Mr. Andrew stating that they will be prepared to offer evidence on the subject of miners' wages and other points at Brunnerton, and requesting that the public be admitted to the inquiry, and that a memorandum of the chief points of evidence should be furnished to them. The Commissioners replied by letter, enclosing the following memorandum of the principal points concerning which evidence would be sought from, the miners, and fixing, as suggested by Mr. Andrew, Monday, the 20th, at 10.30 a.m., as the time of first sitting at Brunnerton. The Commissioners also explained that the inquiry in its present stage should be a private one, each witness being separately examined, and asking Mr. Andrew to suggest a list of names of witnesses : — Memorandum of sonic Points, among others, on which the Commissioners desire to obtain Evidence from ilie Miners at Brunnerton. 1. As to the dates on which interruptions to the working of the mines have occurred, and the periods for which such interruptions continued in each case. 2. How far these interruptions have arisen from the condition of the mines or from the action of the management. 3. To what extent they may have arisen from deficient provision having been made for the storage of coal at the mine, at the railway, or at the shipping port. 4. Particular evidence will be required as to the extent to which interruptions have boon due to strikes or lock-outs. 5. As to the causes which have led to such stoppages of the working, and as to the points which are at present in dispute between the miners and their employers. 6. As to the wages (actual and possible) which have been or might have been earned by coal-hewers, truckers, and surfacemen, together with any earnings for extras for which the men are paid, and distinguishing the period previous to Bth March from the period following. 7. As to the cost of living at Brunnerton, such as rents, prices of food, fuel, and clothing. 8. As to the remedies which the miners have already suggested, or may be prepared to suggest, for the avoidance of interruptions in future. 9. As to the existence of any restrictions which are imposed on the miners, either by their own rules or those of the management, which may affect the daily output of the mines. 10. As to the size of coal produced and paid for to the miners, and the amount of solid and pillar coal respectively, and the condition of the latter, so far as it affects its comparative facility for being worked. 11. As to how far special rules and regulations and by-laws of the mines are satisfactory, and if they are in any way oppressive or unsuitable to the circumstances of the mine. 12. As to the efficiency of the engine-plant and other appliances for securing delivery of the output and keeping the mines in good condition. 13. As to the hours per week worked by hewers, truckers, and surfacemen, and what broken time the men have, if any, and the causes which lead to same. 14. As to the number of men employed in hewing, trucking, and on the surface, and how far that number obtain full-time work with the average output of the mine. 15. As to the general rates of wages in the district obtained by persons not connected with the collieries. 16. As to what waste of coal takes place at the mines from slack or other causes. 17. As to any complaints the miners or other workmen have to allege against the general administration of the mines. A letter was received from Mr. W. S. Smith, on behalf of the Point Elizabeth Coal-mining Company, tendering evidence bearing on the question of terminal rates proposed by the Eailway Commissioners. Mr. Smith was asked to attend. The Commissioners adjourned at 5 p.m. to 9.30 the next day.

Wednesday, 15th October, 1890. The Commissioners met pursuant to adjournment. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. F. W. Martin, District Engineer, was sworn and examined. His evidence was taken down. The afternoon was spent in examining accounts and evidence. The Commissioners adjourned at 5 p.m.