REPORT OE THE MOTUEKA ELECTION COMMITTEE.

H.-Jtfo. .1,4.

It was therefore resolved that the application for adjournment be granted to the 18th September,, 1871, at 10.30 a.m., subject to the leave of the House. The Chairman was directed to ask leave of the House for the proposed adjournment. The parties were called in, and informed that the application had been granted, subject to the leave of the House. The Committee then adjourned, subject to the leave of the House, till 10.30 a.m., on Monday, the 18th September, 1871.

• Monday, 18th September, 1871. The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Mr. Bunny, Mr. McGillivray, Hon. Mr. Eitzherbert, * Mr. Pearce, Mr. Gillies, Mr. Studholme. .. * Mr. Brandon in the Chair. A short-hand writer attended. Mr. Travers read and handed in an affidavit from Mr. Pitt, of Nelson, stating the reason for nonattendance of a witness. . Mr. A. Le Grand Campbell, Registration Officer for the Electoral District of Motueka, appeared before the Committee, and, being duly sworn, Mr. Travers was proceeding to examine him, when Mr. Allan, on behalf of the petitioner, objected to this evidence being received. The room was cleared, and after deliberation the Committee decided to receive the evidence. The parties were called in, and Counsel informed of the decision arrived at by the Committee. Mr. Travers then continued his examination of Mr. Campbell. After cross-examination by Mr. Allan, this witness withdrew. Mr. Travers called Mr. Robson, schoolmaster at Lower Moutere, who, being duly sworn, was examined; and after cross-examination by Mr. Allan, this witness withdrew. Mr. Travers called Mr. William Giblin, who, being sworn, was examined; and after cross-examina-tion by Mr. Allan, this witness withdrew. Mr. Allan stated he had to call some witnesses, and the room was cleared, that the Committee might consider the necessity of hearing further evidence on this point. Moved by Mr. Bunny, That the Committee consider that, under the circumstances stated, the vote of Starns ought not to be struck off, and therefore it is unnecessary for the petitioner to call evidence on this point. Mr. Gillies moved by way of amendment, That the Committee consider that the vote of Starns, appearing from, the evidence adduced to have been taken after 4 o'clock, the petitioner should have an opportunity of showing that it was not taken after that hour. ' • ' On this amendment the Committee divided. For, 2. Against, 5. Mr. Gillies. _ Mr. Brandon. Mr. McGillivray. Mr. Bunny. . : Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert. Mr. Pearce. Mr. Studholme. The amendment was therefore lost. • The Committee then divided on the original motion. For, 5. Against 2. Mr. Brandon, Mr. Gillies, Mr. Bunny, • Mr. McGillivray. Hon. Mr. Eitzherbert, • Mr. Pearce, Mr. Studholme.' The motion was therefore agoeed to. The parties were called in and informed of the decision of the Committee. Mr. Travers then applied for a further adjournment. The room was again cleared, and the Committee proceeded to consider the application. The Committee, after deliberating, called in the parties, who were informed by the Chairman that the Committee consider that they have 'sufficient evidence with regard to Tomlinson to satisfy them that he did not knowingly personate and-pretend to be any other person than himself. The Committee then adjourned till half-past 10 o'clock to-morrow.

Tuesday, 19th September, 1871. The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Mr. Bunny, Mr. McGillivray, Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert, Mr. Pearce, Mr. Gillies, Mr. Studholme. Mr. Brandon in the Chair.