III

I.—sa

Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Guthrie, That the sub-committee adjourn and report that they are of opinion that the evidence should be given before the full Committee. The sub-committee then adjourned.

Thursday, the 12th Day of September, 1912. The Committee met at 10-30 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. E. Newman (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Buddo, Mr. Coatee, Mr. Forbes, Mr Guthrie Hon Mr. Massey, Mr. Nosworthy, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Robertson, Mr. R. W. Smith, Mr. Statham, Mr. Witty' The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman reported the resolution of the sub-committee, " That the sub-committee are of opinion that inquiry should be held before the full Committee." The Committee resumed consideration of Paper No. 226 C. "Details in connection with the Purchase and Fencing of Part of Runanga No. Iα Block." The following gentlemen attended the meeting and gave evidence : J, Strauchon, Under-Secretary for Lands; EL A. Walshe, Assistant-Surveyor, Lands Department; R. Keene, land Wellington ; R. Beere, solicitor, Wellington. Messrs. Strauchon and Walshe were recalled and tendered further evidence. Resolved, That Mr. Ballin be summoned to attend the Committee. The Committee then adjourned.

Wednesday, the 18th Day op September, 1912. The Committee met at 10.30 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. E. Newman (Chairman), Mr. Anderson, Hon. Mr. Buddo, Mr. Coates Mr Forbes Mr. Guthrie, Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Nosworthy, Mr. T. W. Rhodes, Mr. Robertson Mr R W Smith' Mr. Statham, Mr. Witty. ' ' ' ' The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Committee resumed consideration of Paper No. 226 C, " Details in connection with the Purchase and Fencing of Part of Runanga No. 1a Block." Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Guthrie, seconded by the Hon. Mr. Buddo, That Mr. Russell M P be afforded an opportunity of attending the meetings to" hear any evidence given before the Committee in connection with the details of the purchase and fencing of part of Runanga No. 1a Block, and that the Committee grant every facility to Mr. Russell to call evidence. Mr. G. W. Russell attended and read a statement to the Committee. The following gentlemen attended and gave evidence :W. C. Kensington, 1.5.0 late UnderSecretary for Lands ; F. J. Taylor, settler, Runanga ; Thomas Ballin, Christchurch ; and A. Patterson Accountant, Lands Department. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Witty, That Mr. Russell, M.P., be supplied with a copy of the evidence taken by the Committee, and that it be left to the Chairman to arrange for the supply of copies for the Committee. ' The Committee then adjourned.

Tuesday, the Bth Day op October, 1912. The Committee met at 10.30 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. E. Newman (Chairman), Mr. Anderson, Hon. Mr. Buddo, Mr. Coates, Mr Forbes Mr. Guthrie, Mr. MacDonald, Hon. Mr. Massey, Mr. Nosworthy, Mr. T. W Rhodes Mr Roberts™,' Mr. Statham, Mr. Witty. ' iwuertson, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Paper 226 C, " Details in connection with the Purchase and Fencing of Part of Runanga No. Ia Block." Resolved, That the Chairman (Mr. E. Newman) be empowered to obtain an opinion from the Solicitor-General as to whether the land sold to the Government could have been taken under the Land for Settlements Act by the Lands Department. A letter was received from Mr. G. W. Russell, M.P., covering letters from Messrs. Russell and Anthony, solicitors, Christchurch, and Messrs. Hill and Frazer, solicitors, Christchurch, and the same were read by the clerk. The Committee then adjourned.

Tuesday, the 15th Day of October, 1912. The Committee met at 10.30 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. E. Newman (Chairman), Mr. Anderson, Mr. Coates, Mr. Forbes Mr Guthrie Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Nosworthy, Mr. T. W. Rhodes, Mr. Robertson, Mr. R. W. Smith Mr Statham' Mr. Witty. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Paper No. 226 C, " Details in connection with the Purchase and Fencing of Part of No. Iα BlocK." Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Guthrie, That the Chairman (Mr. E. Newman) be empowered to move in the House that Standing Order No. 240 be suspended in order that Mr. Russell, M.P., may be supplied with a copy of the evidence taken before the Committee on Runanga No. Iα Block ' Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Guthrie, That Mr. Russell, M.P., be furnished with a copy of the evidence, and that every facility be granted him to bring evidence before the Committee if he so desires The Committee then adjourned.