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anil families were all in the same place. They were so bad that I applied for native raupo whares to be built for them instead, which was done by the men themselves, with some native assistance, the men receiving usual wages. They suffered great dis-« comfort. There was an understanding with the men that they should not be placed at a greater distance than five miles from a place where they could obtain employment, that the opportunity of employment should be placed within their reach within a distance of five miles. At the distant settlements there was no such opportunity of employment many of the pensioners came into Auckland in consequence lo obtain employment. I decided that the men in Auckland should attend Divine Serviee theie, that was considered to be in lieu of their attendance at Iheir respective villages. William Butcher—Was discharged from the Grenadier Guards in 1844. Discharge exhibited. Character very good. Joined the New Zealand Fencible Corps at Tilbury Fort, in August, 1844, and arrived in Auckland in November of that year, was told off lo the village of Howick with Major Gray's Company. I got my cottage and acre in June or July the following year. I was one of the first who got their cottages. I have attended all the parades up lo the month of November, 1848. I was dismissed the force in December of that year owing to a trilling dispute about the sum of Is. 6d. (one shilling and six-pence) between me and one of the Sergeants who was an overseer over the road parly. In consequence of this 1 lost my collage and acre, and was put under stoppages for myself and wife to pay for our passage out. John Hardy.—l was a privale in the Ist Royals for seventeen years, and discharged in 1844. Was enrolled a private in the New Zealand Fencible Corps, at Glasgow, in May of (he same year. (Character very good and possessed of two good conduct badges.) When I arrived at Auckland, was posted lo the pensioner village at Howick, and had to live with my wife and five daughters for several weeks in a weather-boarded shed. I got my acre in about five weeks after reaching Howick, and then got a raupo whare my share of which cost 11, ss. in which 1 lived with my family for nearly two years. After that time I got into my cottage. I never missed a parade in Howick when living there. I lived (here for about four years. After thai I got leave to come to Auckland because I could not get bread for my family at Howick. Wet and dry, when able from my slate of health, 1 went lo Howick from Auckland to attend parade and Divine Service. I attended regularly until within G months of the period of my service being up. During part of this time I was laid up with Rheumatism and Dysentry. I was fully seven weeks ill of these complaints. I got a sick certificate from Dr. Thompson of the 58th Regt., which I expected would have excused me from attending parades. Capt. Smith the commanding officer at Howick refused taking the certificate, because Dr. Thomson did not belong to the force. I then walked out to Howick to get a certificate from Staff Surgeon Bacot which was not refused, but Major Kenny sent for metoOnehunaa. When 1 went there, seeing that I was not fit for duty,he told me I would not be required any more and I will invalid you myself, this was said in the presence of Capt. Smith. I was then ordered to give up the key of my cottage, arms and accoutrements, and clothing. I gave up these things accordingly. I was excused the payment of the passage money for myself and family. A few weeks after 1 was invalided M"jor Kenny sent word by Captain Smith to me, thai I might have thekey of my cottage lo go and live in, if 1 found Ihe renls too high in Auckland. When I went lo Howick lo get the key it "vas refused me by Captain Smith until he could see Major Kenny again. When 1 saw the Major he would not lislen to me, so I came away and have so lost my collage and acre. Moved by Mr. Carleton, and carried, That the evidence be now closed, and the Committee do adjourn to 11 o'clock to-morrow. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7tii, 1855. Present — Messrs. Seweli Messrs. Forsailh Carlelon Mackay Moved by Mr. Carlelon— That Ihe evidence be re-opened. Carried. Privale Henry Ashurst examined—Discharged September, 1842. Character very good. Arrived in New Zealand in 1847. Belonged to Captain Smith's Company. Was not put in possession of cottage and acre on arrival. Was put in possession of cottage and acre at Howick in the latter part of Ihe year, 1848. The cottage and acre were subsequently taken from me. He refuse t» give up the key, consequently tbe door was broken open. Was in the sick report, and unable lo attend parade. Had sick certificates from Dr. Thompson of the SSlh Regt- and from Dr. Matthew attached
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