1.-*-14.

XL

Mr Allen asked the Chairman's ruling if the motion was in order, and the Chairman ruled that the motion was in order On the question being put, That the word "confidential" be struck out, the Committee divided, and the names were taken down as follow Ayes, s.—Mr Allen, Mr Buchanan, Mr Fraser, Mr Graham, Mr Massey Noes, s.—Mr Hanan, Hon. Mr Millar, Mr Myers, Mr Reed, and the Right Hon. Sir JG. Ward. ~ The voting being equal, the Chairman gave his casting-vote with the " Noes. ' So it passed in the negative. And the original question being put, That Mr Myers's motion be adopted, the Committee divided, and the names were taken down as follow : — Ayes, s.—Mr. Hanan, Hon Mr Millar, Mr. Myers, Mr. Reed, Right Hon Sir JG. Ward. Noes, s.—Mr Allen, Mr Buchanan, Mr Fraser, Mr Graham, Mr. Massey The voting being equal, the Chairman gave his casting-vote with the " Ayes." So it was resolved in the affirmative. Mr Reed then moved the motion of which he had given previous notice "That the Committee find that it has been conclusively shown that no charges of any kind have been established in this inquiry against the Seddon or Ward Administrations, or any member of these Admimstra--1 Mr Allen asked the Chairman's ruling if the motion was in order, and the Chairman ruled that the motion was in order Mr Reed withdrew his motion at the request of the Right Hon. Sir J G Ward. The Right Hon Sir J G. Ward moved the motion of which he had given previous notice, and which was with the consent of the Committee altered to read as follows : " That the Committee is of opinion that legislation should be passed making it illegal for a member of Parliament to act on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person in negotiating the sale of an estate to the Crown." Motion agreed to. . Resolved, on the motion of Mr Allen, That the Committee report to the House this day, and that the minutes of proceedings and evidence be laid upon the table at a later date, and, together with the report, be printed. Resolved, on the motion of the Right Hon Sir J G. Ward, That a vote of thanks be recorded to the Chairman for the able manner in which he has conducted the proceedings of the Committee. Resolved, That the Chairman be empowered to sign these minutes. The Committee then adjourned.