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(b.) The extension of education in domestic economy to as large a proportion of the population as possible. (c.) The formulation of a complete scheme of agricultural education in connection with rural high schools. (d.) The endowment of research scholarships in agriculture at the agricultural and University colleges. (c.) The extension of the system of technical education in the principles and practice of trades. (/.) That those who have passed through a definite course of technical education shall receive special consideration in wages rates and the general conditions of apprenticeship. (g.) That a closer connection should be established between the administrative side of government and the political science and economic departments of our University, by encouragement of officers to attend the courses provided by the latter, and by utilizing the services of trained graduates in governmental work and in reports on special subjects at home and abroad. (h.) That no effort be spared to improve the education of the people, as it is the most powerful agent in the endeavour to improve the conditions of life. (i.) That steps be taken to secure expert advice for parents in choosing avocations for their children by means of local boards. 4. Your Commissioners are of opinion that an amendment to the Commercial Trusts Act is necessary and should be widened to embrace all commerce, and include the following additional provisions :— (1.) That it is illegal for any combination of traders to arrange sellingprices to the retail trade or the public with a direct or indirect penalty to any trader refusing to do so. (Note : This would not prevent traders in any business mutually arranging to sell at uniform prices, without obligation or penalty to any one refusing to do so.) (2.) That every person commits an offence who makes it a condition of sale that the goods are to be resold at prices fixed by the vendor. (Note : This would not prevent a vendor from arranging a scale of prices for large and small quantities, but it would establish the principle that the purchaser has an unrestricted right to his own property. It would encourage a number of retail distributors to co-operate in buying maximum parcels, and thus be in a position to sell cheaper to the public.) (3.) The term " agent " requires stricter definition, as it is now used to defeat the spirit of the Act. Individual members of the Merchants' Association of New Zealand are called " agents," to secure them special discounts in the sale of oatina and gerstena, which would otherwise be illegal under the Commercial Trusts Act. (4.) The Act should contain a provision giving power to the Governor in Council to gazette prohibitions to any selling-conditions cunningly devised to defeat the spirit of the Act where the public interests are prejudiced. 5. That a permanent Board of Industrial and Social Investigation, with full powers to call for persons and papers, should be set up, with the following functions : — (a.) To investigate all complaints under the Commercial Trusts Act preliminary to judicial proceedings being taken. (h.) To investigate all complaints that monopolies, trusts, or rings are establishing themselves. (c.) To report the results of their investigations to the Minister of Commerce, who shall immediately publish such findings. (d.) To investigate and report to the Arbitration Court on any matters submitted to it by that Court with regard to any point in practical or theoretical economics arising out of an industrial dispute.

Commercial Trusts Act.

Board of Industrial and Social Investigation