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Murdoch remaining in that city, and the other members proceeding to Christchurch, which was reached the same evening. On Monday, the 17th March, the Christchurch subcommittee visited a number of old plantations on the Canterbury Plains, including that of Mr. John Deans, at Homebush, where there is a vigorous growth of larch. The next day a public sitting was held m Christchurch at which all the members of your Commission were present. On the 19th March we travelled to Hanmer, and under the guidance of Mr. R. G. Robinson, Superintending Nurseryman for the South Island, visited the State nursery and a portion of the plantations. The next morning other parts of the plantations were visited and the prison camp inspected, and, in the evening, Christchurch was reached. On the 21st March the extensive plantations at Greendale of Mr. T. W. Adams, one of your Commissioners, were visited, and while there a deputation was received of settlers from Oxford regarding the reservation of a certain forest-area in that locality. On the 22nd March your Commission travelled to Hokitika, Westland, going through a portion of the Waimakariri National Park and the Otira Gorge. While in Westland we examined various types of forest, including the beautiful scenic reserve and other forest lands at Lake Kanieri. We also visited the sawmill of Messrs. Butler Bros., under the guidance of Mr. J. Marchant, and that of Messrs. Baxter Bros. The Town of Ross was the furthest point south that we reached in Westland. On the 25th March we held a public sitting at the Courthouse, Greymouth, examined various exotic trees growing in the town, and had the opportunity of seeing, at the factory of Mr. Charles Uddstrom, furniture in process of manufacture from one of the New Zealand beeches, probably silver-beech (Fagus Menziesii). Whether this determination be correct or the contrary, the above is the species milled in Southland, the principal locality where this timber is milled. The above timber appeared to your Commissioners to be well suited for furniture, and, as there is a very large supply, its export in quantity would be of great value to the Dominion. The evening of the same day we proceeded to Reefton, which town we left early the next morning en route for Nelson, via the Valley of the Buller. On the 27th March your Commission held a public sitting at the Council Chambers, Nelson, and the next day proceeded via the Rai Valley and Blenheim to Dumgree, returning to Blenheim the same evening. At Dumgree we saw the Government plantation, part of which was recently destroyed by fire. On the morning of the 29th March a public sitting was held in the Land Office, Blenheim, and in the afternoon part of your Commission visited an old plantation on the Hillersden Estate, Wairau, in the neighbourhood of Blenheim, and the remainder inspected the scenic reserve at Double Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound. The same evening your Commission left Picton for Wellington, where we arrived about 10 p.m. Three days, including Sunday, were spent in Wellington, during which time your Commission discussed various matters, and decided on the itinerary for the North Island. On the 2nd April your Commission journeyed to Napier. A public sitting was held in the Lands Office on the morning of the 3rd April, and in the afternoon one part of your Commission visited a proposed scenic reserve at Titiokura, and the remainder were most kindly shown over a portion of the district by the Hawke's Bay Builders' Association. On the 4th April your Commission divided into two subcommittees, Messrs. Haszard (Chairman) and Murdoch and Dr. Cockayne journeying to Lake Waikaremoana, via Wairoa, in order to inspect the forests near the lake; and Messrs. Adams, Clarke, and Lethbridge travelled to Waiotapu, via Tarawera and Taupo. The Waikaremoana party returned to Napier on the sth April, and leaving that city on the 6th joined the other members of your Commission at Waiotapu the same evening. From Waiotapu the Government plantations were inspected under the guidance of Mr. H. A. Goudie, the Superintending Nurseryman Tor the North Island, and the prison camp of the Kaingaroa Plains was also visited. On the Bth April your Commission, under the same guidance, inspected the nursery at Whakarewarewa and certain of the plantations in its vicinity. On the 9th April your Commission again divided, Messrs. Clarke, Lethbridge,

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