I.—sa.

MINUTES OE PROCEEDINGS.

.;.. Tuesday, 18th Septembee, 1906. : The Committee met at 10 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. McNab, Messrs. Bennet, Duncan, Ell, Flatman, W. Fraser, Greenslade, Hall, Jennings, Kirkbride, Laurenson, Lawry, Mills, and Witty. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The following Orders of lleference were read:— 1. Notifying that the number of the members of the Committee had been increased to fifteen by the addition of the following names: Messrs. Ell, Greenslade, Lawry, Mills, and Kirkbride. 2. " That the Land Act Amendment Bill, having been read a first time in the House, stands referred to the Lands Committee." On the motion of the Chairman, it was agreed that the Land Bill take precedence of other business in Committee until completed. It was proposed by Mr. Jennings, and agreed to, That Mr. Kensington, Under-Secretary, and Mr. Martin, solicitor, be present at the sittings of the Committee on the Land Bill; and the gentlemen referred to were admitted accordingly. The Chairman having asked if it was the pleasure of the Committee that a reporter be present to take down the proceedings on the Land Bill, Mr. Laurenson moved and it was agreed, That no reporter is needed. Mr. Jennings having asked a question regarding the effect of the Bill on the English bondholders in connection with the New Plymouth Harbour Board debentures, Mr. Mills moved, That the question be referred to the Solicitor-General for his opinion. After discussion the Hon. Mr. McNab suggested that the Chairman of the New Plymouth Harbour Board—J. B. Connett—(at present in Wellington) and the Solicitor-General be summoned to attend the Committee to-morrow. Agreed to; whereupon Mr. Fraser proposed and it was agreed, That a reporter be present to report the evidence of the witnesses heard in connection with the New Plymouth Harbour Board debenture-holders. The Chairman proposed, That clause 1 stand part of the Bill.—Agreed to. On the motion, That clause 2 stand part of the Bill, Mr. Hall moved the postponement of the clause. This being opposed a division was called for, when there voted: — For the motion.— Messrs. Bennet, Flatman, Fraser, Greenslade, Hall, Jennings, Kirkbride, Mills, and Witty.—9. Against. —Messrs. Ell and Lawry, Hon. Mr. McNab.—3. The motion was therefore carried. Clause 3 was then put. Mr. Kirkbride moved the postponement of clause 3, which was agreed to. Clause 4 was then put by the Chairman. Mr. Kirkbride moved to amend the clause by the deletion of the words " Occupation with right of purchase," in line 43. After discussion Mr. Hall moved the adjournment of the Committee. A division having been called for, there voted: — . For the adjournment. —Messrs. Bennet, Flatman, Fraser, Hall, Jennings, Kirkbride, and Witty.—7. Against. —Hon. Mr. McNab, Messrs. Ell, Greenslade, Laurenson, Lawry, and Mills.—6. The motion was therefore carried, and the Committee adjourned. Wednesday, 19th Septembee, 1906. The Committee met at 10 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. McNab, Messrs. Bennet, Duncan, Ell, Flatman, Fraser, Greenslade, Hall, Jennings, Kirkbride, Laurenson, Lawry, Malcolm, Mills, and Witty. Messrs. Kensington and Martin were again in attendance, and Mr. Briggs, shorthand reporter. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read, The Hon. Mr. McNab pointed out that they were not confined to the motions proposed and carried, but contained expressions of opinions by members, and, on the Chairman's motion, they were Withdrawn, and the Clerk instructed to amend them as indicated by the Minister. The Chairman of the New Plymouth Harbour Board (Mr. Connett) appeared as requested, and gave evidence in connection with the New Plymouth Harbour Board. His evidence was taken down by Mr. Briggs, shorthand reporter. Hon. Thomas Kelly, M.L.C., was called, and gave evidence, as also Mr. E. M. Smith, M.H.R., who was present, and Mr. W. C. Kensington, who was called by the Hon. Mr. McNab; their evidence being also taken by the same gentleman.

Wednesday, 19th September, 1906. The Committee met at 10 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. McNab, Messrs. Bennet, Duncan, Ell, Flatman, Fraser, Greenslade, Hall, Jennings, Kirkbride, Laurenson, Lawry, Malcolm, Mills, and Witty. Messrs. Kensington and Martin were again in attendance, and Mr. Briggs, shorthand reporter. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read, The Hon. Mr. McNab pointed out that they were not confined to the motions proposed and carried, but contained expressions of opinions by members, and, on the Chairman's motion, they were withdrawn, and the Clerk instructed to amend them as indicated by the Minister. ■ ■ ■ The Chairman of the New Plymouth Harbour Board (Mr. Cormett) appeared as requested, and gave evidence in connection with the New Plymouth Harbour Board. His evidence was taken down by Mr. Briggs, shorthand reporter. Hon. Thomas Kelly, M.L.C., was called, and gave evidence, as also Mr. E. M. Smith, M.H.R., who was present, and Mr. W. C. Kensington, who was called by the Hon. Mr. McNab; their evidence being also taken by the same gentleman. :