I.—ll

IV

Wednesday, 14th July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Montgomery, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Alison was present, and, having been examined, was thanked, and withdrew. On the motion of Dr. Newman, Besolved, That the evidence of Mr. Oliver Mays, Chairman, Gounty Council, Waitemata, be taken. Mr. Mays presented himself, and, having been examined, was thanked, and withdrew. The Committee adjourned till Thursday, the 15th July, at 11 o'clock.

Thuesday, 15th July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Gore, Mr. Montgomery, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman reported and read the following correspondence : Letter from Mr. Seaman to the Chairman; telegram from the Chairman to Professor Thomas; telegram from Professor Thomas to the Chairman; telegram from the Chairman to Mr. E. J. Eoberts; telegram from Mr. E. J. Eoberts to the Chairman; memorandum from the Hon. Sir George "Whitmore; letter from Mr. W. J. Sullivan to Mr. Brewer. Mr. Brewer attended, and was examined. The Chairman was requested to telegraph to Mr. W. Aitken and Mr. Boss. The Committee adjourned till Friday, the 16th July, at 11 o'clock.

Fbiday, 16th July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Gore,, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman reported and read telegram to Mr. W. Aitken, and reply; also letter from Mr. Stark to Mr. Brewer, dated the 20th January, 1886, put in evidence by Mr. Brewer. Mr. Brewer attended, and was examined. The Committee adjourned till Monday, the 19th July, at 11 o'clock.

Monday, 19th July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Gore, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Montgomery, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman reported and read the following correspondence : Telegrams from Mr. Eoss and Mr. Eoberts, and letter from Mr. Brewer. On the motion of Dr. Newman, Besolved, That Mr. Alison be examined, and, in the meantime, that Mr. Godden be telephoned to to be in attendance. Moved by the Hon. Major Atkinson, That all witnesses examined before the Committee be examined on oath. Upon the question being put, the Committee divided, and the names were taken down as follow:— Ayes, 4.—Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Barron, Mr. Gore, Dr. Newman. Noes, s.—Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Montgomery. So it passed in the negative. On the motion of Mr. Montgomery, Besolved, That all witnesses whose testimony is conflicting be re-called and sworn. Mr. Alison attended, and was examined on oath. On the motion of Dr. Newman, Besolved, That the Chairman telegraph to Mr. Melville, Mr. T. L. White, and Mr. Cooper, asking for particulars as to the various offers said to have been made to them of this property. The Committee adjourned till Tuesday, the 20th July, at half-past 10 o'clock.

Tuesday, 20th July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and, on the Chairman putting the question, That the minutes be confirmed, Mr. Dargaville moved, as an amendment, That the minute referring to the Hon. Major Atkinson's motion re swearing all witnesses is incorrect, as his motion singled out one witness to be sworn ; and that the minute be altered accordingly. On the motion of Mr. Cowan, Besolved, That the question be deferred till next meeting.