G.—s

Wellington, Friday, 2nd June, 1905. The Commission sat at 10 o'clock a.m. Present: Sir James Prendergast (Chairman), H. S. Wardell, Esq., W. H. Quick, Esq., and Mr. Hutana. A general discussion took place on the subject-matter of the inquiry. The Secretary was instructed to write to the Rev. Mr. McWilliam, of Otaki, informing him of the intended sitting at that place, and saying that the Commissioners would be glad to hear him on matters pertinent to the Porirua and Otaki trusts. Adjourned till Monday, the sth instant, at half past 10 o'clock a.m.

Wellington, Monday, sth June, 1905. The Commission sat at half past 10 o'clock a.m. Present: Sir James Prendergast (Chairman), H. S. Wardell, Esq., W. H. Quick, Esq., and Mr. Hutana. The Bishop of Wellington waited on the Commission, and laid before them a report by the Committee of the General Synod with reference to a certain mortgage, in connection with which a loss had been made by the trustees. Mr. Stafford waited on the Commission, and informed them that he had communicated with the Government in reference to the scope of the Commission, and had been informed that if there were a doubt as to its scope a further Commission could be issued. The matter was discussed, and Mr. Stafford was informed that any application for an extension of the Commission must come from him to the Government. Mr. Carter, secretary to the Porirua trustees, attended and produced a statement of receipts and expenditure, on which he was examined, and he was requested to further supplement the information with extended details. The Commission adjourned to Otaki at half past 2 o'clock p.m. on the 6th instant.

Otaki, Tuesday, 6th June, 1905. The Commission sat at half past 2 o'clock p.m. Present: Sir James Prendergast (Chairman), H. S. Wardell, Esq., W. H. Quick, Esq., and Mr. Hutana. Mr. Stafford applied for an adjournment to the following day to enable him to confer with his clients. Mr. Wi Parata asked that the Government should provide the Ngatitoas with counsel; also that the Commission should hear the Porirua and Otaki portions of the inquiry separately. The Chairman informed Mr. Parata that the Commissioners could not accede to the latter request, nor had they power in regard to the engagement of counsel. Adjourned till 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the 7th instant.

Otaki, Wednesday, 7th June, 1905. The Commissioners sat at, 10 a.m. and heard evidence. Present: Sir James Prendergast (Chairman), H. S. Wardell, Esq., W. H. Quick, Esq., and Mr. Hutana.

Otaki, Thursday, Bth June, 1905. The Commissioners sat at 10.30 a.m. and heard evidence, Mr. Wardell and Mr. Quick having previously visited the Church of England mission school and Roman Catholic school and ascertained the attendance of Maori children and the nature of the instruction imparted to them.

Otaki, Friday, 9th June, 1905. The Commission sat at 10 a m. and heard evidence. Present: Sir James Prendergast (Chairman), H. S. Wardell, Esq., W. H. Quick, Esq., and Mr. Hutana. Adjourned to Wellington on Tuesday, the 13th instant, at 10.30 a.m.

Otaki, Monday, 12th June, 1905. Mr. Quick and Mr. Wardell visited the Whitireia Reserve, Porirua.

XVI