H.—No. 4.

The Public Accounts Committee, to whom was referred the Public Revenues Bill as amended in Committee of the whole House, have the honor to report that they have gone through the Bill, and made certain amendments therein, as shown in the copy of Bill attached to this report, and beg to recommend their adoption by the House. Readee Wood, Wellington, 24th September, 1872. Chairman.

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS. Thursday, 19th September, 1872. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. Curtis, Mr. J. Shephard, Hon. Mr. Eitzherbert, Mr. Speaker, Hon. Mr. Gillies, Hon. Mr. Stafford, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Vogel. Mr. Wood in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Order of reference of 17th September, 1872, read. The Public Revenues Bill, as amended in Committee of the whole House, was then considered. After some preliminary discussion as to the contents of the Bill, the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer explained that the Bill had been framed by the Controller, Mr. Fitzgerald, and introduced by Mr. Vogel, and that he believed both the Controller and the Auditor-General agreed to the proposed amendments. The Hon. Mr. Eitzherbert then moved, That the Bill be considered clause by clause. Carried. Clauses 1 to 6 read and agreed to. With reference to proposed clause 7, the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer stated that it was in accordance with the Imperial system of audit, and was proposed to be inserted in case of disputes arising between the Commissioners and the Treasury. After some further discussion, the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer moved, That the Controller and the Auditor-General be requested to attend the Committee at 11.30 a.m. to-morrow, for the purpose of giving evidence. Carried. Committee then adjourned till 11.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Eriday, 20th September, 1872. The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Hon. Mr. Curtis, Mr. J. Shephard, Hon. Mr. Eitzherbert, Mr. Speaker, Hon. Mr. Gillies, Hon. Mr. Stafford, Mr. T. Kelly, Mr. Vogel. Mr. Pearce, Mr. Wood in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Auditor-General attended, and was examined. The Controller also attended. The Committee then adjourned till 12.30 p.m. tomorrow.

Saturday, 21st September, 1872. The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Hon. Mr. Curtis, Mr. Pearce, Hon. Mr. Eitzherbert, Mr. J. Shephard, Hon. Mr. Gillies, Mr. Speaker, Mr. T. Kelly, Mr. Vogel. Mr. Wood in the chair.

REPORT OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ON THE PUBLIC REVENUES BILL.