He himself had been a bench carpenter, and was not used to out-door work, and, previously to going to Parimure swamp, had not had er perience of "roughing" in the bush. At first, of course, he felt the hardship, for they had had very wet weather, but the men were anxious to work, and did not intend to regard diffi culties more than they could help. He him self had felt but little ill effect from the exposure. In reply to a question, Mr. Tennant said he had not actually earned ss. per day, but estimated it at that amount when things were set fairly/going. He had not earned 3s. 6d. per day, as Ttet. Mr. Bbpw,n produced some, flax prepared at Pamni3re,by,the hackling process. By simply hackljng, without cleaning, a man could'earn ss. per day. It was an article worth more than Manila, if hackled and put into water with a little sulphuric acid, and then dried. Mr. Murray and himself could each earn 10s. per day in fine weather, and over ss. now. Manila was worth £40 per ton. I Mr, Bbown handed to the chairman a written statement, signed by 15 men employed at Pan mure, to the effect that from their experience, now extending over a period of several weeks, they were convinced that Mr. Brown's principle was satisfactory, and in their opinion the best and cheapest mode of cleaning New Zealand flax. He (Mr. B.) was of opinion that good wages could not be made except by the simple process, and that more elaborate' processes would not repay the outlay. He spoke from actual personal experience. A man and a boy could prepare 2501b. of flax per day by this simple mode — hackling, dipping in the tub, and spreading out to dry. The sample he had shown was worth £20 per ton. The Chaieman said Mr. Cochranes state ment the previous day would corroborate this, for he (Mr. 0.) would give £15 per ton for an inferior article. Mr. Beown assured those present that good wages would be made as soon as the weather improved, and said great credit was due to Mr. Mason, and others, who had enabled these men to be doing something to earn a living instead of starving about the streets of Auckland. 