Said he had no objection to adopting the eight hours system, and so far as it went it would make no difference to him. There, however, would be a difficulty with regard to the water-rate. He had to pay at present for two classes, day and night, each of twelve hours. There was no intermediate price and the cost of running eight-hours would be the same as twelve, and sixteen the same as twenty-four. (The Corporation By-laws were here produced and gone into). It may be possible to get three classes of payments instead of two, but on that the Council would have to be approached. If he could work the eight hours, of course extra payment would have to be made for the remaining four, and that gave rise to the question of wages, which he thought would be necessarily affected. He would adopt the eight hours system, if the matter of water could be arranged, although he believed that had he steam power, the cost would be about the same—all things considered—as he now paid. Mr. Ireland was in the same position regarding cost of power as himself, probably only the two mills in the Colony affected. However, if the general body of millowners adopted the eight hours, he would also go in with them. Thought there would be some trouble to place an extra amount on the price of a ton of flour, generally the increase in the market was either 5s., 10s. or 15s., and perhaps millowners might not see their way to make such an addition to the price. There was a good deal of cutting, and he hardly saw how it could be obviated. He would gladly work the twenty-four hours if he could, but that was not possible except upon special occasions. He would obtain and forward a copy of the by-laws to Mr. Houston.

The interview lasted about a quarter of an hour, and a good tone prevailed throughout.