H.—Ni>. 8.

TELEGRAPH ENQUIRY COMMITTEE.

3

Wednesday, 27th Septembeb, 1871. Tho Committee met pursuant to summons. Present: - • Mr. Farnall, Hon. Mr. Vogel, Captain McPherson, Mr. Webster. Mr. Steward, Hon. Mr. Stafford in the Chair. The minutes of the last two meetings were read and confirmed. Captain Pearce, of the s.s. " Gothenburg," being in attendance, in obedience to summons by the Chairman, was introduced. A letter from Captain Pearce to Mr. Larnach, of the Bank of Otago, denying tho accuracy of Mr. O'Toole's statement, in re Regina v. Barton, as to the source from whence he (Mr. O'Toole) had derived the European news he telegraphed to Wellington on the 30th September, 1870, was read, and tho original placed in the possession of the Committee. Mr. G. McLean, M.H.R. (on behalf of the Directors of the Daily Times), and Mr. Lemon (as General Manager of the Telegraph Department), being present in accordance with a Resolution of the Committee of the 25th instant, —Captain Pearce was examined by the Chairman, Members of the Committee, and Messrs. McLean and Lemon. His evidence was taken down and ordered to be attached to the proceedings. Captain Pearce then withdrew. The Chairman drew the attention of the Committee to the 6th clause of " The Parliamentary Privileges Act, 1865," by which Committees are empowered to administer oaths to witnesses examined by them. The question as to whether this course should be adopted on future occasions, was postponed for further consideration. The Chairman requested the members of the Committee, and all those who may be present during its sittings, to boar in mind that by the Standing Orders it was not permissible for any documents or any evidence to be made public until reported to tho House. Mr. Lemon having shown authority from the Manager of the Otaqo Daily Times to produce certain telegrams conveying English news on the 30th September, 1870, laid the same before the Committee. Containing ''forward and received " press telegrams, also "transmitted" copy to Evening Post, Wellington, from Agents of Nichol and Tucker, Bluff. Also " received " copy of Daily Times telegram, same as above, 30th September, 1870. Mr. Lemon then withdrew. The Chairman laid before the Committee the following telegrams he had sent to Mr. Barton, under resolution of the Committee of 25th instant— " General Assembly, 25th September, 1871. "In consequence of the statement in your telegram that you could give material evidence on the question of Ministerial influence in the administration of the Telegraph Department, the Committee of Inquiry have decided that your presence at Wellington is necessary. " A formal summons for your attendance here on Tuesday, the 10th of October, has been forwarded to you to-day by the ' Phcebc.' If, however, you can make it convenient to attend before that date, the Committee will be glad to receive your evidence immediately on your arrival, so that your detention may be as short as possible. "E. W. Stafford, " Chairman of Committee." Second Telegram to Mr. Barton, same date. " The Committee of Inquiry on the management of the Telegraph Department would feel obliged by your giving the names of any persons able to support the charge of improper Ministerial influence in the management of the Telegraph Department. "E. W. Stafford, " Chairman of Committee." The following was Mr. Barton's reply to the above : — " Queenstown, 26th September, 1871. " I do not think that I can mention the names of any witnesses who can support the charge referred to. May I again ask you whether the Committee cannot dispense with my personal attendance at Wellington, on the grounds that it would subject me to serious loss and inconvenience, and that the evidence which it is in my power to give might be taken on oath before a Commissioner here. "My engagements extend over a fortnight, and cannot be broken without difficulty. I may be allowed to urge that the loss I have already sustained in this matter shall entitle me to some consideration. " G. B. BABTO3T." It was resolved, That the Chairman be requested to call a special meeting of the Committee to take into consideration the question submitted by Mr. Barton. Tho Committee adjourned until to-morrow (Thursday). Thursday, 28th September, 1871. The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Mr. Parnall, Mr. ltolleston, Hon. Mr. Hall, Hon. Mr. Vogel, Captain MePhcrson, Mr. Webster. Mr. Pearce, Hon. Mr. Stafford in the Chair. The telegrams from Mr. J. B. Barton, of 23rd and 25th instant, were read by the Chairman, when