REPORT OF THE MOTUEKA ELECTION COMMITTEE.

H.—No. 14.

6

The Committee here adjourned for a quarter of an hour. When the Committee resumed, Frederick Ducker appeared before it, and was examined on his former oath by Mr. Allan. After being cross-examined by Mr. Travers this witness withdrew. William Bosselmann was then called by Mr. Allan, and examined by him, and cross-examined by Mr. Travers. At the conclusion of this witness's examination, the Committee adjourned till half-past 10 on Monday next, the 11th instant. Monday, 11th Septembee, 1871. The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Peeseni : Mr. Bunny, Mr. McGillivray, Hon. Mr. Eitzherbert, Mr. Pearce. Mr. Gillies, Mr. Studholme, Mr. Brandon in the Chair. A short-hand writer attended. James Hagan appeared before the Committee, and, being sworn, was examined by Mr. Allan. During tho examination of this witness the room was cleared,, to enable the Committee to deliberate on an objection raised by Mr. Travers to the following question being put:—" Did you ever make any claim to vote before 31st March, 1871 ? " It being proposed that the question be allowed, the Committee divided. _[ For, 6. • Against, 1. Mr. Brandon, Mr. Gillies. Mr. Bunny, Hon. Mr. Eitzherbert, Mr. McGillivray, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Studholme. It was therefore agreed that the question should be put. The parties were called in and informed by the Chairman that the Committee had decided that the question be put to witness. The examination of James Hagan was continued, and after being crossexamined by Mr. Travers this witness withdrew. Henry Tomlinson was called, and, being duly sworn, was examined by Mr. Allan. The parties then withdrew, and the Committee proceeded to deliberate on the evidence adduced in support of the petition. Moved by Mr. Gillies, and seconded by tho Hon. Mr. Eitzherbert, That it has not been proved that tho sitting Member has been, either by himself or his agents, guilty of bribery, treating, or undue influence. This was carried unanimously. The Committee further agreed that in the cases of personation by James Hagan and Henry Tomlinson a sufficiently strong case had been made out to call on Mr. Travers to bring evidence to rebut that adduced on behalf of the petitioner. The parties were called in and informed by the Chairman of the decision arrived at both with regard to the bribery and treating and the personation. . • • The Committee then adjourned till half-past 10 o'clock to-morrow.

Tuesday, 12th September, 1871. The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Mr. Burfny, Mr. McGillivray, Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Gillies, Mr. Studholme. Mr. Brandon in the Chair. Mr. Travers addressed the Committee, and asked for adjournment, for the purpose of procuring evidence from Nelson. The parties then withdrew, and the Committee proceeded to consider whether Mr. Travers' application for an adjournment should be granted. It being proposed that Counsel should be requested, before the decision on the application for adjournment, to address the Committee as to whether a vote taken after 4 o'clock is valid or invalid, it was resolved unanimously, that Counsel be requested to address the Committee on that point. The parties were then called in, and Counsel informed of the resolution passed by the Committee. After both Counsel had addressed the Committee, the room was again cleared. The Committee divided as to whether the application for adjournment be granted, subject to the leave of tho House being obtained. . i For, 5. Against, 2. Mr. Brandon, * Mr. Bunny, Mr. Gillies, Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert. Mr. McGillivray, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Studholme. .-.-.< . !