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state and condition of the Native reserves and West Coast Settlement Reserves ; also, particulars of leases of Native reserves, where leased, to whom leased, term of lease, rental, and present tenant. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock.

Wednesday, 25th Maech, 1891. The Commissioners met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G. (Chairman), T. Kennedy Macdonald, Esq., M.H.R., and A. Loughrey, Esq. Examination of books and records continued. The Chairman reported that the Commissioners had interviewed the Hon. the Premier with the object of discussing the subject of the extension of the powers of the Commission in the event of the Government desiring the Commissioners to take evidence at the various agencies of the Public Trust Office. The Commissioners pointed out to the Premier that they were anxious to finish their work as soon as possible, and to carry out their investigation thoroughly; but the responsibility would rest with the Government as to how far the Commissioners should proceed after having dealt with the Head Office at Wellington. The Commissioners requested the Premier to consult his colleagues, and consider the matter, and reply in writing at his early convenience. Besolved, That the Public Trustee be requested to furnish a return showing—(l) The number of " terriers " kept in the Public Trust Office ; (2) the date on which he found it necessary to use them ; (3) the purposes for which they are kept, and whether the Public Trustee finds them well adapted for the requirements of the office, and whether he thinks they will increase in number from time to time through the wants of the department. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock.

Thuesday, 26th Maech, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G. (Chairman), A. Loughrey, Esq., and T. Kennedy Macdonald, Esq., M.H.R. Examination of books and records continued. Besolved, That the Public Trustee be requested to furnish the Commission with a return showing how the funds coming into his hands since the establishment of the Public Trust Office have been annually invested; the return to be in a tabulated form, giving the year, amount of accumulated funds during the year, amount invested in Government securities during the year, average rate of interest on such Government investments during the year, average rate of interest on such mortgages of real estate during the year, amount invested in mortgage of real estate during the year, amount lying in banks, and average rate of interest on amount lying at banks. Besolved, That the Public Trustee be requested to furnish to the Commissioners a return showing all moneys received by him from sales under "The Non-payment of Rates Act, 1870," setting forth the undermentioned particulars in tabulated form : Name of owner of property ; last known address of owner; description of property sold under Act; date of sale; gross amount realised at sale ; total expenses incident to sale, including solicitors, auctioneers, &c. ; amount of rates due and outstanding, and on account of which sale was held ; net balance in hands of Public Trustee paid over to owner; date of such payment to owner (if any); net balance in hands of Public Trustee not paid to owner ; dates when owner was written to, and reasons for such non-payment to owner ; in what manner has the balance of such funds been invested by the Public Trustee. The return to be divided into provincial districts. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock.

Tuesday, 31st Maech, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G. (Chairman), and A. Loughrey, Esq. Examination of books and records continued. A letter was received from the Hon. H. K. Taiaroa with reference to the Greymouth and Westland Native reserves. The secretary was instructed to reply that the subject would be attended to. A letter was received from certain residents of Arahura on the same subject. The secretary was instructed to reply that the matter would receive due attention. A letter was read from Messrs. Jackson and Russell, Auckland, relative to the case of Mr. Richmond. The secretary was instructed to reply that the case would be inquired into. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock.

Wednesday, Ist Apeil, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G. (Chairman), and A. Loughrey, Esq. Examination of books and records continued. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock.

.Thubsday, 2nd April, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G.'(Chairman), A. Loughrey, Esq., and T. Kennedy Macdonald, Esq., M.H.R.