H.—2l.

N. SUTHERLAND.]

105

to tell him of this startling story ?—I saw Mr. Solomon a day or two before the commission sat. I thought he occupied the position that Mr. Atkinson is at present occupying. Mr. Solomon told me he had nothing to do with the matter now. 127. You did not tell Mr. Solomon this story then ?—No, he told me he had nothing to do with it now. iii 128. I suppose you recognise that if what you say is true Mr. Cameron is a blackguard Mr. Justice Edwards : He is more. He is guilty of an offence of a criminal nature. He is a person who ought to be in gaol. 129. Dr. Findlay.] If he did that—His Honour tells you, not me—he may be sent to prrson for a long term of imprisonment ? —Yes. 130. You come here in this man's absence and give this evidence ?—I cannot help his absence. 131. Why did you not give Meikle this information long ago when Cameron was here to confront y OU ?_T cou ld not. I gave it as soon as I had an opportunity when I was introduced to him. 132. Mr. Justice Edwards.] Why did you not write to Mr. Solomon ?—lt never occurred to me . 133. How is it that it did not occur to you. You come here and make an important statement to the gentleman who is conducting the proceedings for Mr. Meikle. How is it that you, who have been a schoolmaster, did not at once write and attempt to have repaired the mischief that had been done ? Why did you not write to him and tell him what you have told us now ?—I have great difficulty in using a pen. . . 134. Mr. Justice Cooper.] Did that difficulty exist twelve years ago ?—Not so bad as it is now or during the last five or six years. 135. Mr. Justice Edwards.] Do you mean to say that you could not write twelve years ago ?— Yes, but it never occurred to me to write. 136. Well, what is the use of telling us that you have a difficulty in using a pen ?—lt never occurred to me. 137. Dr. Findlay.] You have written frequently to the newspapers ?—Yes. 138. When was your last contribution to the newspapers ? —I cannot remember. 139. You knew that Cameron was simply manager of the company and that he had to obey his directors ?—I suppose he had. I did not know him when he was manager of the company. 140. You knew he was manager of the company and would have to consult his directors ?—Yes. 141. Did he tell you that he would have to consult his directors ?—No, directors were never mentioned. '.',.,. . • , r, o 142. Mr. Atkinson.] Was any sum of money mentioned m this conversation with Cameron <— No. 143. Was any name given ?—No, he had just employed some one. 144. Could you give us an estimate of what the interval would be between the first conversation with Cameron about Mataura Ensign and this subsequent one about the trap ?—We had the conversation about the time that I occupied a portion of his store, but I have no record of the date. 145. Dr. Findlay.] This matter, of course, may be taken seriously. In justice to my client and myself I desire to ask a further question with the permission of the Court. (To witness) : Have you always found your memory quite clear ?—I think so, in a general way. 146. Are you not subject to eccentricities ?—I am not aware of it. 147. Are you married ? —Yes. 148. How long ago were you married ?—About eight or nine months ago. 149. How long did your wife stay with you ?—About a couple of months. 150. And then left you ?—She is not with me now. 151. Left you owing to your eccentricities ?—I beg your pardon, I do not want to say anything about it. 152. Not eccentricities at all ?—lt is something else. ' 153. Very well, perhaps Mr. Atkinson would like to find out what it is. [Witnessthen left the box.] Dr. Findlay : This matter comes to me as a complete surprise. It was not opened by Mr. Atkinson. Mr. Justice Cooper : Perhaps Mr. Atkinson did not know it. Mr. Atkinson : I did not know it. Mr. Justice Cooper : Mr. Atkinson would never have omitted to mention it if he had known it. Dr' Findlay : I want at once to say that Mr. Atkinson has acted throughout this case with complete fairness. But I desire to say to the Court that if that matter is to be taken seriously then it is quite obvious that Mr. Cameron's evidence must be taken. He is in England, and it will be necessary that some commission should be obtained to take his evidence. Mr. Justice Edwards : We certainly would not find on that fact without hearing Mr. Cameron's evidence in his own defence. That is all that we can say at present. Dr. Findlay : Very well, we will if necessary have to take his evidence by commission in England. It will be recognised that this is entirely forced upon me by these proceedings. We will require that evidence to be taken if it is within the power and scope of this inquiry. Mr. Justice Edwards : This is a Court with very high powers, my impression is that we have all the powers of the Supreme Court. _ .■»«■« Dr. Findlay : Yes. In that case we will probably apply for a commission to examine Mr. Cameron in England to see whether this story is correct or not. Subsequently, — Dr. Findlay : Your Honours, I understand that the witness Neil Sutherland has asked to be allowed to withdraw certain evidence that he gave this morning, and, seeing that it affects Mr. Cameron's character, perhaps it would be better that it should be done at once.

14— H. 21.