REPORT OE THE MOTUEKA ELECTION COMMITTEE.

19

H.—No. 14,

Mr. Sell.

7th SepU, 1871.

Had you any conversation with him, or did you make any proposal to him with reference to Sir David Monro ?—Yes, I did. When was that, do you remember, Mr. Bell ?—1 cannot tell you the date; it was some weeks previous to the nomination. Where was that —was it in Nelson?—-It was in Nelson. What part of Nelson was it ?—lt was in the street at his office ; in front of his office in Trafalgarstreet, an auctioneer's office ; he was an auctioneer at the time. Will you tell us what was said between you ? What conversation took place between you ?—As far as I can recollect, I asked him if he knew where Sir David Monro was —that I wished to see him, as there were a number of Sir David Monro's friends in Waimea West who wished him to stand for the House of Representatives. He told me that Sir David Monro was at the Wairau. By Mr. Travers : Sir David Munro was not a candidate at that time at all ? —No. By Mr. Allan : What did you say to him upon that ?—He also said that he did not know whether Sir David Monro would stand, but if I wished it he would send a telegram to the Wairau to know whether Sir David Monro would stand if brought forward. That was all I knew from Mr. Elliott that day, no more than I understood that he sent the telegram that day. The Chairman : Do not tell us what you understood. By Mr. Allan: Did you hear that day from Mr. Elliott that he had sent a telegram ?—No, not that day ; I did not. When did you see Elliott again?—l do not think I saw Mr. Elliott again till after the nomination. Well now, had you any communication with Sir David Monro after this ? When did you see Sir David Monro next ?—The next time I saw him was when he came to address the electors at Waimea West. You say you saw him; was that before he addressed the electors ?—Yes, I saw him before he addressed the electors; I saw him and spoke to him. Tell us what you said to him, and what he said to you ? —There was nothing said then that I can recollect, except that Sir David shook hands with me and asked me how I was. The hour was nearly up for holding the meeting, and we walked into the meeting. It was merely an ordinary greeting. There was a meeting of his supporters, and he addressed them I suppose ? —Yes. Were you in the chair ? —-No. Did you speak at the meeting at all ? —I do not know that I did. Well, had you a conversation after the meeting was over ? —We had a conversation after the meeting was over, in the schoolhouse where the meeting had been held. What was that conversation; what did he say to you or you say to him ?—Well, I asked Sir David if he thought it would be advisable to have a Committee to further his interests in the election. He said it was an ordinary thing to do so ; we could please ourselves. Was it agreed then that there should be a committee ?—No, it was not agreed to. Did you see Sir David Monro at Palmer's ? —Yes. Who is Palmer ; does he keep a public-house ? —Yes, he keeps a public-house. When you saw him at Palmer's, was anything more said about the committee ?—Yes. By Mr. Travers : Was that tho same day ?—Yes. By Mr. Allan : Well, was it agreed then to form a Committee ?—No, it was not; it was again spoken of but not agreed to. Well, when was it agreed that a Committee should be formed ?—I dare say it was quite a week afterwards. Well, now, who composed that Committee ? Mr. Travers : Ask him was it agreed to with Sir David Monro. By Mr. Allan : Was it agreed with Sir David Monro that you should form that Committee after the week had elapsed ? —No ; I do not think Sir David Monro knew that there was a Committee. When was the Committee formed ? —lt was about a week after the meeting. And who composed that Committee ?—John Dron, Lawrence Dron, James Arnold, Thomas Eden, and myself. Who was Chairman of the Committee ? —They appointed me as Chairman of the Committee. Well, before you appointed that Committee, had you received any letter from Sir David Monro ? Yes, I had. Of what date wa3 that letter ? Do you know what became of that letter ? —No. Did you look for it ? —I did look for it, and I could not find it. You do not remember the exact date ?—Was it before the Committee was formed ? —lt was before the Committee was formed. Can you from memory tell the Committee the contents of that latter ?—I think I can. Well will you have the goodness to do so ?—I may not be able to state every word that was written, but I can recollect the meaning. Well, give us the substance —-Sir David Monro said in that letter that he was sorry to take any of my time from me just then, as every minute of my time would be precious to me, being the time of harvest. Whilst the other side were making strenuous efforts, if we wished him to be elected, we would require to do something in the matter. I have seen Mr. Redwood, senr., he has kindly offered the use of his waggon on the day of election; and if you will see to having two traps, or the engagement of two traps, I cannot recollect the words—l will see that they aro paid for. I think in addition he said : If you see that two traps are engaged for the conveyance of voters ; I intend to be in Motueka to-morrow night, to address the electors there, and probably will not see you again till after the election. Is that what was in the letter ?—As near as I can recollect. After the receipt of that letter was the Committee formed that you are Speaking of?— Yes. When he speaks in the letter of getting two traps, did he say for the convenience of voters or for his voters ?—I don't think he said his voters. I have stated as nearly as I can recollect.