P.—B

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self with cross-examining those officials who were called by Mr. Gray. A great number of these were called and gave evidence on oath, ranging from the Chief Postmaster, Mr. Williamson, down to the letter-carriers who were alleged to be connected with the missing letters and the empty envelopes. All the Post Office officials who gave evidence appeared to me to be the witnesses of truth, and they left a very favourable impression upon my mind. They were very straightforward, and seemed as if there was nothing to conceal. I have no hesitation in stating that I am convinced that no Postal official was responsible for any improper or corrupt dealing with any of the letters. The public may rest assured that the very high reputation that the Postal Department has always enjoyed in this Dominion as one of the most important, Departments of State has not in any way been lessened by the result of this inquiry. I have the honour to submit herewith to Your Excellency the notes of evidence taken at the inquiry, and to remain Your Excellency's most humble servant. Given under my hand and seal, this 7th day of September, 1917. H. W. Bishop, Stipendiary Magistrate and Commissioner.

APPENDIX. THE LETTERS HEREINBEFORE REFERRED TO. Vauxhall Road, Devonport, 11th August, 1917. The Committee of Vigilance, P.O. Box 912, Auckland. Gentlemen, — Can you inform me if it is true that a Father O'Doherty was dismissed from the Military Camp at Trentham for being drunk in the camp and for having a woman in a state of intoxication in his tent, and whether it is true that the said Chaplain was arrested and placed in custody prior to his dismissal from the Forces? Was this gentleman the Father O'Doherty who made some trouble over being refused, a passport whilst he was at Cambridge? Thanking you in anticipation, Yours sincerely, Harry Travis. Rugby Road, Birkenhead, 10th August, 1917. To the Protestant. Political Association, Box 912, Auckland. Dear Sirs, — . I would like to know, if you have any information on the matter, whether it is true that at an Auckland convent there is a lime-pit into which bodies could be placed and disposed of without fear of detection ? If this is true it is a terrible thing in our young country, but it is almost impossible for a private person to find out these things. I am, sirs, Yours truly, Elizabeth Blaoklock.. Tonar's Road, Northcote, 9th August. The Committee of the Protestant Political Association. Dear Sirs, — Can you say if there is any truth in the rumour that recently a human foetus was found outside the gate of a convent in or near the city, and that a nun was taken to the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, where, owing to a report, an investigation was made as to the nun's condition by a detective? Is there any way of finding out what that report stated ? Thanking you, Yours truly, J. Soden. Vincent Road, Remuera, 10th August, 1917. The Protestant Political Association. Sirs, — Is it true that Roman Catholic priests and Marist Brothers have been allowed to leave New Zealand without a deposit, whilst no Protestant minister is allowed to leave without depositing at least .£100? If so, does not this reflect gravely on the administration of the Department concerned? I am, Yours faithfully, Geo. Hoey.