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1931. NEW ZEALAND.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL INDUSTRIES AND STOCK COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. F. LYE, Chairman.)

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be 'printed.

ORDERS OE REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the 21st Day ov July, 1931. Ordered, " That a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all matters pertaining to agricultural and pastoral industries and stock ; with power to confer and sit together with any similar Committee which may be appointed by the Legislative Council, and to agree to a joint or separate report; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Burnett, Mr. Hawke, Mr. Kyle, Mr. Langstone, Mr. Lye, Mr. Macpherson, Mr. Martin. Mr. W. W. Massey, Mr. Poison, and the Mover." —(Hon. Mr. Murdoch.) Thursday, the 27th Day of August, 1931. Ordered, " That the Wellington City Milk-supply Amendment Bill be referred to the Agricultural and Pastoral Industries and Stock Committee."—(Mr. Eraser, for Mr. McKeen.)

REPORTS.

No. 7/31 (Sess. 1). —Petition of J. A. Connell, of Wellington. Praying for an inquiry into the present administration of the Department of Agriculture in coping with various stock diseases. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th September, 1931.

No. 49/31 (Sess. 2), Petition of Abarata Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd., and 108 other Dairy Companies ; also 1,887 Signatures ; and No. 14/31 (Sess. 1), Petition of Te Hobo Co-opebative Dairy Co., Ltd., and 36 Others. Praying for legislation to remove the Customs duties on stock-foods and wheat. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration, with a view that where the rate of exchange on imported stockfoods coming into the country free of duty is not equitably passed on to the primary producer, the Government should impose a dumping duty equal to the rate of exchange, and pay the same into the Consolidated Fund. 9th September, 1931.

Wellington City Milk-supply Amendment. I have the honour to report that the Committee, having carefully considered the above Bill and heard evidence, recommends that it be not allowed to proceed. 21st October, 1931.

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Special Report. I have the honour to report that the Agricultural and Pastoral Industries and Stock Committee wishes to express its great appreciation of the tact, courtesy, and ability with which the Chairman, Mr. Lye, has presided over the business of the Committee during the session. It desires also that this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee, and be reported to the House. 7th November, 1931. T. D. Burnett, Member of the Committee.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Agricultural and Pastoral Industries and Stock Committee desires to record its high appreciation of the courtesy and ability with which the Clerk, Mr. Fox, has carried out his various duties during the session. It further desires that this resolution shall be recorded on the minutes of the Committee, and be reported to the House. 7th November, 1931. . F. Lye, Chairman.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Agricultural and Pastoral Industries and Stock Committee, consisting of ten members, has held nine meetings during the session, with an average attendance of eight members. Lengthy evidence was taken on one Bill, which was afterwards reported to the House, and three petitions were also considered and reported on. 7th November, 1931. F. Lye, Chairman.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—-Preparation, not given; printing (370 copies), £1 15s.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l93l.

Price 3d.~]

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