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Bit 7, Did you hear her at any time make the same or a similar remark to any other person?— No, I did not hear her, but the girls say so. 8, Did Miss Howden ever ask you why the staff had any down upon you?— Yes, she used to speak to me. -'-■■' 9. Did she ever ask you why you stayed here and put up with it?---Yes, 10. Tell me what she said in her own words? —She asked me why the, staff went on at me,, and why I let them go on at me. 11. Was anything said about standing up for yourself?— Yes, and why I did not take my own part and stand up for myself. 12. Did Miss Howden say anything about the Matron and the rest of the staff?—-She said she could not agree with the staff and the Matron. 13. Did you ask her why she stayed here?— Yes. 14. What did she say?—l cannot tell you exactly. 15. Did she ever talk to you about absconding girls or girls who had attempted to abscond? - —Yes, she used to speak to me about it. 16. In what way?— She used to say why the girls went away —what caused them to go-away. 17. Did she warn you in any way against adopting a similar coufse?-r-No. 18. While you were with Miss Howden, were you ever left so that you could have got away if you liked?— Yes. 19. Have you anything more to say?— No. 2"0. When I saw you about this statement, did I tell you you need not say a word about Miss Howden unless you liked ?—Yes. 21. And that you were free to make a statement or not as you pleased?— Yes. 22. And after that did you make this statement to me?— Yes. 23. The Commissioner .] These statements yotf'have made are true? —Yes. 24. Mr. Salter.] Are you quite sure about tile word " hellish " Miss Howden used? —Yes. 25. Absolutely certain ? —Yes. 26. Where was this statement made? —Outside the fowlhouse. 27. You said you could not exactly remember what Miss Howden said to you about the staff, but you can remember quite well about the other talk that went on with you?— Yes. 28. How can you remember so well what was said in the one case and not in the other ?—The statement made near the fowls was at a time that was necessary. When I was speaking about the staff was at a time that was unnecessary. 29. How long ago?—l should say about four months ago. 30. You undertake to remember exactly what was said four months ago?— Yes, because it was a word to be remembered. Charles August Myhre examined on oath. 1. Mr. Russell.] I think you are a partner in the Christchurch Clothing Factory?— Yes. 2. I think you have had three servants from this Home?— Yes. 3. Do you know the name of the first one?—M N . 4. How long did you have her ?—Six or seven months. 5. So far as morals is concerned, had you any complaint to make against the girl? —None whatever. 6. You have no reason to suppose she was anything but moral?— No. 7. I think you found her bad-tempered?— Yes, and sulky, and in reference therewith I have often wondered how the Matron managed to keep her in check. I have expressed that opinion myself to her. Otherwise she was particularly clean and well-behaved. 8. Was her manner respectful?— Not too respectful, but I put that down to temper. I had her until she came of age, and then, as 1 was living in the suburbs, she left to come into town. 9. Who was the next?—S H . 10. How long did you have her?— She remained with me about fifteen months, until she was over age, and then she left to be married. 11. Did you find her a moral girl?— Yes; I was quite satisfied on that point, 12. And in other ways was she a fairly good servant?— Yes, I have nothing to complain about. I have never complained in my reports to the Government. The inference I gathered from the whole three was that they had had a great amount of teaching so far as cleanliness was concerned. 13. And you believe the training of these girls has been a help to them?—l am absolutely certain of it. My personal experience has shown also they have a great amount of respect for the Matron. They have always spoken in that strain. Fanny Adelaide Spooner examined on oath. L. Mr. Russell.] You are the wife of John Spooner, farmer, of Kirwee?—Yes. 2. You have had two girls from here?— Yes, L T and A T . 3. How long have you had A T ?—Since last August. 4. So far as morality is concerned, have you any reason to doubt but that she is a moral woman?—No reason at all. 5. So far as you know, she is quite a respectable girl?— Quite. 6. And generally a good servant?— Yes, quite a treat. A very good servant. 7. Are you satisfied that is the result of the training she has received here?—l think so. 8. Can you speak in the same way in regard to L — T ?—Yes. She is thoroughly honest, thoroughly truthful, but with a fearful temper. 9: From what you tell us, what opinion have you formed of their treatment here?— That the girl has been very kindly treated. She is very fond of the Matron.