A further report has been presented by the Select Committee on Local Industries. With regard to coal, it, says that by the construc tion of railways, the coalfields of Otago and Canterbury will be developed. Respecting the introduction of salmon and trout, it re commends a paper by Mr Butt to the con sideration of the Government. It recom mends the issuing of an invitation to the Superintendents to consider the taking of steps to prevent the wasteful destruction of forests, it recommends the continuance of the purchase and distribution of trees, includ ing olive, hickory, and cork trees. It recom mends the giving of a bonus for kerosene produced in the Colony of sixpence per gal lon uptoso,ooogallons, payable on quantities of 10,000 gallons ofaveragepriceandapproved quality. It recommends a bonus being given for the erection of suitable blast fur naces for the manufacture of pip iron, in ap proved tonalities, of 25 per cent, on the cost of erection, when the works are in full ope ration, not exceeding 1 5000. Also, a similar bonus for the erection of machinery for t c manufacture of bar and rod iron. Such bonuses to be in addition to the sums offered by the Provincial Governments, and the Agent-General in Europe. The Government also recommends the granting of free pas sages to aid tho establishment of these and other industries. It further recommends that the Public Works Department should endeavour to utilise the materials in the Co lony for the manufacture of Portland cement.
The Opposition are apparently determined to fight every clause of each of the Loan Bills. Sir F. D. Bell is taking a leading part with Mr Tolmie in Opposition.
