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Atkinson only wanted watches for his two boys, and asked if we would let him know when there was a sale. 2668. It appears that those officers of the Public Trust Office who bought jewellery of^this kind have confined their attentions selfishly in the first instance to their own wants, and, secondly, to their sons' wants. Have they altogether neglected the girls ? —I do not know whomlthey bought for or what they bought for. 2669. Do you know any articles of bijouterie or jewellery suitable for women's use that have been bought by Mr. Hamerton or other officers? —Yes. That watch in Dallon's estate was bought for one of Mr. Hamerton's younger daughters. 2670. Then, how could he have intended to give it back again after passing it into the hands of a third party ?—This was what he told me—that he was not going to give it at once. 2671. As a wedding-present, perhaps? —He said he was going to get it for a birthday-gift, I think it was. 2672. There are other articles only suitable for the adornment of women that have been bought ?—Yes. 2673. Are you aware the Commissioners have asked for a return of all articles purchased from time to time by officers in the service of the Public Trust Office, giving dates and fullest particulars ? —I was told so yesterday. It would be quite impossible to do so. I could not, for one. 2674. Then, have you bought so many things? —Very little lately. 2675. If you refresh your memory by looking at this incomplete record made by you of jewellery that has come into your possession since you have acted as jeweller for the office, perhaps you will be able to trace it in that way. You will have to try, as your memory serves you, because, if we fail to get the information from you, we will get it in another way from the auctioneer, or some one else, as far as we can. 2676. Mr. Loughrey.] In that book you only put in "Box of jewellery," not the contents of the box ? —No. The contents are in the records. I think from the correspondence generally you get the contents. 2677. The Chairman.] Now, before that important transaction was carried out—l mean, Sir Harry Atkinson buying watches—were watches sent up to him for inspection ? —I took them up to him. 2678. Then, he inspected them before he bought them?— Yes. 2679. With his usual shrewdness, he would not buy " a pig in a poke," even in watches ? —No. He told me how much he would give for them. 2680. Now, in the case of any articles which have been purchased for ladies by officers of the Public Trust Office, have the ladies ever had an opportunity of inspecting them?— The ladies would go to the anction-room and see them, of course. 2681. They never came into this office to see them?— No. 2682. Mr. Loughrey.] Will you show me from the papers in Dallon's ease where the inventory is—that is, from the office records ? —As I said before, I know the account sales contains all the items of jewellery. 2683. There is nothing in the papers to show that the auctioneer's account has been checked? —No, not in this case ; but in other cases you will find memoranda detailing the things. [At witness's request, his further examination was postponed until the following day, upon the ground of illness.] Mr. William Leslie Moeeison examined. 2684. The Chairman.] Mr. Morrison, what is your occupation?—l am an artist. 2685. Where are you residing now?—At Wadestown. 2686. Do you know anything about one Mrs. Dallon, who died a short time ago ?—Yes. 2687. Do you know anything about her estate?— Yes. 2688. Could you explain to the Commissioners what you know in reference to Mrs. Dallon and in connection with her estate ? —Yes. I have seen all the wearing-apparel and things in her boxes. That was all her effects. There was furniture also. There was a box of jewellery—a couple of gold watches, bracelet, a diamond ring and a ruby ring, two sets of pendants for the ears, and a piece of lace a yard and a half long by about 6in. or Sin. wide. 2689. What kind of lace ?—I could not describe it to you. 2690. Was it fine lace ?—Yes. There was also a gold albert chain and some other trinkets. I received the gold watch and albert chain, and sent them to Mr. Dallon. I got them from the Public Trustee. That watch and chain belonged to the son. There was a small, keyless, hunting, gold lever w Tatch belonging to Mrs. Dallon. 2691. A good watch?— Yes. 2692. What do you think would be the value of it ?—I am not an expert at telling the price of jewellery —perhaps £18 or £20. 2693. Was there any further jewellery?—No ; that was all the jewellery. Then there was her wearing-apparel. I looked it all over, and there was a lot of lace —nothing less than about fifty or sixty pounds' worth of fine hand-made lace. This piece of lace which was in the casket with the jewellery would be worth about £20. 2694. Mr. Macdonald.} Would you know it if you saw it again ?—My wife would best be able to tell as she is an expert. It is more from her opinion Igo in regard to the lace. 2695. The Chairman.] And your wife, Mrs. Morrison, saw, perhaps, all the wearing-apparel?— Yes, and she could give the Commissioners better information with regard to that. 2696. You could only spea.__ in a general way of the apparel ? —Yes. 2697. Did you see any good, valuable dresses amongst the parcels?— Yes. 2698. Not much worn ?—No, very little worurand trimmed up with lace too.