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with the details, for such explanations have very much facilitated and expedited the work. Mr. Ward also, although I did not see so much of him, manifested readiness to afford any explanations required." A third meeting of creditors was convened for 22nd September, at which meeting Mr. Brown's report was read. No resolution was passed, but the chief creditors expressed themselves as quite willing to leave the whole matter entirely in my hands. In view of Mr. Brown's report, I see no necessity for any further investigation, and I am taking steps to realise the estate to the best advantage. The full text of Mr. Brown's report appeared in the Otago Daily Times of 23rd September. I did not examine it, however, to see that it was a correct copy. If necessary, I will send you a certified copy. I shall be glad to supply any further information you may desire to have. I have, &c, Charles Eout, Deputy Official Assignee.

A.—From the District Court, Invercargill, to the Official Assignee, Invercargill. Sir,— Bth July, 1897. I hereby give you notice that Joseph George Ward, of Invercargill, Merchant, has this day filed a petition to be adjudged a bankrupt. Number on register, 692. J. E. Colyer, Clerk District Court.

B.—Clipping from Southland News of the Bth July, 1897. In Bankruptcy.—ln the District Court, holden at Invercargill. Notice is hereby given that Hon. Joseph George Ward, of Invercargill, Merchant, was this day adjudged bankrupt; and I hereby summon a meeting of creditors, to be holden at my office on the 13th day of July, 1897, at 2.30 o'clock p.m. Charles Eout, Invercargill, Bth July, 1897. Deputy Official Assignee.

C.—Memorandum from the Deputy Assignee in Bankruptcy, Invercargill, to William Brown, Esq., Invercargill. In the Estate of J. G. Ward. Dear Sir,— 3rd September, 1897. Eeferrfng to our conversations, I desire formally to intimate that the object of the investigation by you into Mr. Ward's business transactions is as follows : — 1. To verify or otherwise, from the books and records of Mr. J. G. Ward personally, of the Ward Farmers' Association, and other documents which may be available, the correctness of the following statements : (a) Eeceipts and expenditure for the three years prior to date of adjudication ; and (b) statement of losses sustained ; 2. To state whether there are grounds, and, if there are, what grounds, exist for suspecting that Mr. Ward has received moneys during the above period which have not been accounted for ; 3. To state whether Mr. Ward and his late employes have assisted you in your work, or have manifested any desire to withhold information from you which would assist you in verifying or otherwise the financial statements referred to ; and 4. To report generally on the said financial statements by Mr. Ward. I am, &c, Charles Eout, Deputy Official Assignee.

Telegram from the Chairman of Committee to the Clerk of the District Court, Invercargill. You are requested to inform the Privileges Committee of the House of Eepresentatives whether, in connection with the bankruptcy of the Hon. J. G. Ward, member for Awarua, you have complied with the provisions of section 131 of " The Electoral Act, 1893," and, if not, why not. Also, to furnish the Committee with any telegrams or correspondence in connection with this matter. E. J. Seddon, Chairman.

Telegram from Clerk, District Coukt, Invercargill. Et. Hon. E. J. Seddon, Wellington. Be Hon. J. G. Ward: I did. not comply with section 131, "Electoral Act, 1893," as I understood he had resigned prior to filing his petition, and thought, he having resigned, section quoted did not apply. On ascertaining he was a Justice of the Peace I reported the bankruptcy to Minister of Justice on 16th July last. No other correspondence or telegrams passed in connection with this matter. J. E. Colyer, Clerk District Court, Invercargill. Ecceived 2nd October, 1897.

J. B. Colyer, Clerk District Court, Invercargill. Inform Privileges Committee how and when you came to understand that Hon. Mr. Ward had resigned prior to filing his petition. A. F. Lowe, Clerk Privileges Committee.