H.—24

XLVI

Mr. W. Goss (explanation), 3.45 p.m. to 3.50 p.m. Moved by Mr. Ell and carried, That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded the Christchurch witnesses for the willing and straightforward manner in which their evidence was given. Mr. Goss thanked the Commission for their kindly reference to the witnesses. The Commission adjourned at 4 p.m. to Grejmouth.

Greymouth, Wednesday, 14th April, 190!). On Wednesday, the 14th April, 1909, the Commission, accompanied by the Hon. A. R. Guinness, M.P., proceeded by train to Moana, and there inspected the sawmill of Messrs. Church and Peat. En route, the Commission stopped at Patara and inspected the mill of Messrs. Stratford, Blair, and Co. In the afternoon they proceeded by launch over Lake Brunner down the Arnold River to Eotuku, where an inspection was made of Messrs. .Jack Bros.' mill, and, by going along the tramway leading into the bush, the method in vogue of cutting the trees and dragging them by means of a wire rope and a " hauler " engine to the tram-line was carefully viewed, and the conditions under which the trees are converted into sawn timber were thoroughly examined.

Greymouth, Thursday, 15th April,' 1909. The twelfth meeting of the Commission was held in the Borough Council Chambers, Greymouth, on Thursday, the 15th April, 1909, at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. T. Y. Duncan (Chairman) and all the members. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Evidence. Mr. F. W. Flanagan, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Nelson, examined from 10.5 to 11.50 a.m. Mr. W. H. Bowater, sawmiller, Westport, 11.50 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Commission adjourned from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Mr. Bowater, examination continued from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Commission then went into oommittee to bear further evidence from Mr. Bowater. The Commission adjourned at 4.20 p.m.

Greymouth, FiiiDAY, 16th April, 1909. The thirteenth meeting of the Commission was held in the Borough Council Chamber, Greymouth, on Friday, the 16th April, 1909, at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. T. Y. Duncan (Chairman) and all the members. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Evidence. Mr. Arthur Fletcher, sawmiller, Westport, examined from 10 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Mr. G. J. Robert's, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Westland, 10.30 a.m. to 12.20 p.m. Mi , . William Butler, sawmiller, Ruatapu, Hokitika, J 2.20 p.m. to 1 j>.in. The Commission then went into committee. At the invitation of the Mayor, it was decided to adjourn for the day at 4.30 p.m. in order that the Commission might inspect the harbour-works at Greymouth that afternoon. A discussion then took place as to the dates of meetings in the North Island. Resolved, That after leaving Greymouth, the Commission stay at Wellington to inspect mills, &c, for a day or two, and proceed to Taihape on Monday, the 26th April. Telegrams from T. Y. Seddon, M.P., Joseph Grimmond (Ross), and James Murdoch (Hokitika), welcoming the Commission to Westland, and inviting it to visit Ross and Kumara, were received. Resolved, That the Commission visit Ross on Saturday, the 17th April, in order to inspect the forest in the locality. The Commission adjourned for lunch at 1.15 p.m., and resumed at 2 p.m. Mr. William Butler, examination continued from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Commission adjourned at 4.30 p.m. till 10 a.m. on Monday, the 19th April, 1909.

Saturday, 17th April, 1909. On Saturday, the 17th April, the Commission proceeded to Ross b}' train, inspected the timber en route and the forest in the locality, and inquired into the needs of the mining industry for various kinds of timber. A formal welcome was tendered the Commission by T. Y. Seddon (M.P. for Westland) and Mr. S. G. Ferguson (Chairman of the Westland County Council), whilst the Hon. A. R. Guinness, M.P., and Mr. H. L. Michel (Mayor of Hokitika) accompanied the Commission.