THE BROGDEN CLAIMS.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 66, 16 September 1881, Page 2

THE BROGDEN CLAIMS.

Tho Petitions Committee reported yesterday on the petition of Measra. John Brogden and >ons, as follows :— " In dealing with the petitioners' case, the committee have availed themselves of the evidence taken by the Public Works and Immigration Committee of 1873. The committ?e have obtained documen'ary evidence from the Public Works Department, and fully examined such witnesses as havebeenßubmittedfor examination by the petitioners. After carefully considering the evidence and giving due weight to the circumstances under which the immigration contract was entered into, the committee are of opinion that the petitioners have no claim against the colony. (Signed) Thomas Kblly, Chairman, 15th September, 1831." This decision, of course, obviously applies only to the matters referred to in the petition, with which alone the> committee could deal. It therefore does not in any way affect the other and larger claims of Messrs. Brogden, amounting to some £Z4>'),ooo. From the minutea of the committee's proceedings it appear a Mr. Turnbull moved, "That relief be granted to Messrs. Brogden in respect of their immigration contract, so as to put the charges for passages on the came footing as other immigrants have been charged who paid cish." This would amount to JJ10.530, less recoveries, Ac, J61660, plus JE256, transhipment charges, leaving net sum payable £6230. Mr. Barron moved as an amendment, "That the petitioners have no claim against the colony," and this was carried on division by 6 votea (Allwright, Barron, Dick, Kenny, Murray, Richardson) to 1 (Turnbull.)