I.—B.

are the declarations required by the Act, which were made in due form by all the purchasers. Ido not forward these, but will do so if you require them. The information regarding the occupation of pastoral deferred-payment lands in different parts of the province will be forwarded so soon as possible, say middle of next week. —I have, &c, J. P. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands." The evidence of Kenneth Williamson before the Otago Waste Lands Board was read. (Vide Appendix B.) The evidence of James Benn Bradshaw before the Otago Waste Lands Board was read. (Vide Appendix B.) A letter from James Green, Esq., M.H.E., to the Chairman, was read. (Vide Evidence.) The Committee then adjourned till called by the Chairman,

Tuesday, 17th July, 1883. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present ,* Mr. Pvke (Chairman), Mr. J. Buchanan,Mr. Fulton, Major Harris, Mr, McMillan, Hon. Mr. Eolleston, "Mr. J. W. Thomson, Mr. W. White. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. An opinion of the Solicitor-General, relative to witnesses' privileges, was read. The Committee then adjourned till Thursday, the 19th July, at 12 o'clock.

Thuesday, 19th July, 1883. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Pyke (Chairman), Mr. J. Buchanan, Mr. Fulton, Major Harris, Mr. McMillan, Hon. Mr. Eolleston, Mr. J. W. Thomson. Austin George Spreat, Clerk in Survey Department, attended and produced plans and reports of pastoral deferred holdings in Table Hill, Waipori, Clarendon, Silver Peak, and Waikouaiti Districts. (Vide Appendix C, 1 and 2.) Plans showing the sections, names of holders, and what in arrears in Table Hill, Waipori, and Silver Peak Districts. Mr. J. W. Thomson gave notice that he would move the following at the next meeting : That Mr. George Joachim, Manager for the British and New Zealand Mortgage and Agency Company (Limited), be summoned to attend as a witness, with all papers, documents, &c, relative to the sale of land at Strath-Taieri on the 28th February last, in the possession of the above firm; also that Mr. William Bridgman Harlow be summoned to attend, as a witness, with all papers, documents, &c, in connection with said sale in possession of the Otago Land Board ; and Mr. Paterson, shepherd, of Strath-Taieri, be summoned to give evidence. Mr. Fulton gave notice that he would move the following at the next meeting : That, in the opinion of this Committee, it is useless to prosecute the present inquiry unless an indemnity be granted to witnesses who may be called upon to answer questions which they may allege would tend to criminate them. That the Government be requested to take such steps, whether by Act or otherwise, as will give the Committee power to promise such indemnity where necessary. The Committee then adjourned till Friday, the 20th July, at 11 a.m.

Feiday, 20th July, 1883. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Pyke (Chairman), Mr. J. Buchanan, Mr. Fulton, Major Harris, Mr. McMillan, Hon. Mr. Eolleston, Mr. J. W. Thomson, Mr. W. White. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The following letter received by the Chairman from the Minister of Mines was read : " General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, 19th July, 1883.—Sir, —In reply to your letter of the 6th instant I have this day forwarded, by one of the draughtsmen in the Survey Department, plans and schedules containing full particulars relating to the lands held by pastoral deferred-payment selectors in the Silver Peak, Tuapeka East, Table Hill, and Waipori Survey Districts. Similar information respecting pastoral deferred-payment lands held in the other districts in Otago will be forwarded as soon as it has been received from the local office. With regard to your request to be supplied with a return of all pastoral tenants who were holding pastoral lands immediately prior to the sale of runs in February last in the District of Otago, I have to refer you to Parliamentary Paper C.-11a, 1877. Unfortunately this paper is out of print, otherwise I would have enclosed you a loose copy of it. The return in question does not accurately represent the position of the runs as regards their occupancy at the time of the sale, but probably the information with respect to area, carrying capacity, rent, &c, will be sufficient for the present information of the Committee.—l have, &c, Wm. Eolleston, Minister of Lands." On the motion of Mr. Fulton, Besolved, That, in the opinion of this Committee, the present inquiry cannot be successfully prosecuted to a conclusion unless an indemnity be granted to witnesses who may be called upon to answer questions which they may allege would tend to criminate themselves. That the Government be requested to take such steps by introducing a Bill as will give the Committee power to grant a certificate of such indemnity where necessary. On the motion of Mr. Frifton, Besolved, That the Chairman report the above resolution to the House this day. The following telegram was received by the Chairman from Mr. G. W. Pogson, and was read : " (Urgent.)—Christchurch, 10.30, 20th July, 1883.—The Chairman, Otago Alleged Evasion of Land Act Committee, House of Eepresentatives, Wellington.—' Tarawera' detained here until to-day, Cannot be in Wellington before 21st. —G. W. Pogson."

V