H.—36,

20

under his Excellency the Governor, aa his military superior, as he terms him here " the convening officer." He looks upon him aa his military superior, thinks that he has been found fault with for a breach of military law, and demands to be tried by military law. I should not submit to it for a moment. I refused it altogether. If I had continued to act, I should have removed Major Gordon, and let him appeal to Parliament. He considers he acted under military law, under the Militia Act I suppose. 150. Mr. Swanson.~\ I see by their petition these persons say that they have been put to a good deal of expense in proving the case. Is that so ? —I believe the burden of proof was put upon them, and they now claim compensation for the expense they were put to in getting witnesses together. I think it would be but reasonable to reimburse them their expenses. 151. Mr. Dignan.~] "Was it owing to the action of petitioners that this matter was brought under the notice of the Government ?—Yes ; entirely. 152. Then surely it is right they should be compensated? Have you any idea of the amount of expense to which they were put ?—I have not; but I quite agree that it would be fair to recompense any expense they were put to. 153. Any actual expense ? —Yes ; and a reasonable allowance for loss of time. There is no doubt they did a great public good in routing out what was really a nest of corruption. 154. The Cliairman.~\ The total amount is put down at £15 18s. 4d ?—Well, that is a very small amount. 155. Mr. Dignan.~\ Did you dismiss the man, or merely suspend him ?—I had no power to dismiss ; I merely put him on one side ; did not want him on pay any longer. 156. The Chairman.~\ It seems that during the inquiry Craig was paid?—lf so, he should not be paid again for lost time. The pay sheets would show whether that was the case or not. 157. The petitioners were on pay at any rate?— That might be, but I do not think Craig was. My impression is, that Craig was diamissed before the inquiry commenced. I only speak from recollection, though no doubt Craig did good public service. By Authority: Geobob Didsbuet, Goyernment Printer, Wellington.—lß76. Pric* Ib.]