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No. 102.—Petition of H, D. Acland and 107 Others of Christchurch. Praying that a meat-export license be granted to Armour and Co., of Australasia (Limited). I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioners that a meat-export license be granted to Messrs. Armour and Co., Australasia (Limited), as in the opinion of the Committee they are a subsidiary company of Armour and Co. of the United States of America, where it has been shown that they, together with other companies, have carried out practices inimical to the interests of both the producer and the consumer. ■ 26th October, 1920.

Rabbit Nuisance Amendment Bill. The Agricultural and Pastoral Industries, Stock, and Commerce Committee, to which was referred the above Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with amendments. 29th October, 1920.

Seeds Bill. I am directed to report that, while approving of the provisions of the Bill, the Committee recommends that it be not proceeded with this session. 2nd November, 1920.

Special Report (re Chairman). I have the honour to report that the Agricultural and Pastoral Industries, Stock, and Commerce Committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the capable and impartial manner in which the Chairman (Mr. Hunter) has presided over its deliberations during the session. 4th November, 1920. G. W. Forbes.

Special Report (re Clerk). The Agricultural and Pastoral Industries, Stock, and Commerce Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the able manner in which the Clerk (Mr. H. Harrison) has carried out his work, as Clerk to the Committee during the session. 4th November, 1920.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Committee has held, during the session, eighteen meetings, with an average attendance of ten members at each meeting. The number of petitions referred to the Committee was thirteen, three of which have been reported to the House, and ten referred to another Committee. Three Bills have been referred to the Committee, all of which have been reported to the House; and an extensive inquiry has been held on the increased freight rates. 4th November, 1920.

Inquiry into proposed Statement by the New Zealand Overseas Shipowners Committee to Press Association in reference to the Increase in the Rate of Freight Charges. (Vide 1.-10 a, Appendices to Journals.) (Note. —Debate on presentation of this report was interrupted by 5.30 p.m. adjournment, 27th October, 1920.)

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