J.—s.

J.—s.

Captain Eussell, M.H.K., being in attendance, was examined as follows: — 57. The Chairman.] Do you know the East Coast, where this election was held, pretty well ? — Yes ; I know one portion of it. 58. Do you know Kawakawa ?—I know it by repute. I have not been there. 59. It is reported by the Eeturning Officer that no poll was taken there. Had a poll been taken, do you think many votes would have been given ?—I can't say with any authority. I know the Ngatiporou is one of the most powerful and numerous tribes on the East Coast, or in New Zealand. In time of war, they always brought a large number of men into the field. This is one of their strongholds, and I believe they would have voted as one man for Hotene. 60. Do you know anything further touching this matter that you wish to state to the Committee ? —I cannot state anything to the Committee of my own knowledge. I might repeat vague rumours, but I don't know that they would really affect the matter in any way. The Committee adjourned till Tuesday next, at 11 o'clock.

Capt. Russell.

7 July, 1876.

Tuesday, 11th July, 1876. Henaee Tomoana, being in attendance, was examined as follows: — 61. The Chairman.] Do you recollect an election for the Eastern Maori Electoral District taking place ? —-Yes. 62. Did you vote at it yourself ?—Yes. 63. At what polling-place ?—I voted at Te xiwanui. 64. Do you know anything of what took place at Kawakawa ?—I believe no poll was taken there. 65. Do you know why ? —I do not. 66. If the poll had been taken there, would there have been a number of votes given there ? —Yes. 67. Can you tell us how many would have been given ? —I cannot tell. 68. "Would it have been a large number such as one or two or three hundred ?—I do not think it would have reached two or three hundred. 69. Do you know anything of what took place at the polling-place at Waiapu ?—I know what was done there. 70. Was a poll taken at Waiapu?—The poll was not taken at Waiapu. It was taken at Te Awanui. 71. Do you think many more votes would have been given if the poll had been taken at Waiapu P —I do not know. I should like to make a statement. I want to know whether lam the last witness, and whether Mr. Campbell is to be called. [Witness was informed by the Chairman that he was not the last witness, and that very probably Mr. Campbell would give evidence.] I should like to be present when Mr. Campbell gives his evidence. 72. Why do you wish to be present when Mr. Campbell gives his evidence, and why did you ask whether you were the last witness ?—Because, when Mr. Campbell took the names, and I voted for Karaitiana, and it was asked that votes might be recorded on behalf of others who were away, I said "No one ought to be allowed to vote unless he was present." Mr. Campbell said I was right. I said I would take further action—legal action—if the officer in charge of the poll took the votes of any persons except those who were at Te Awanui. Mr. Campbell said the only persons entitled to vote were the persons who came to Te Awanui polling-place. I wish to ask these questions of Mr. Campbell. That is why I wish to be present. [The Committee decided to consider the request.] 73. Mr. Tole.] In your opinion what proportion of the voters would have voted, or rather, if a poll had been taken, how do you suppose they would have voted—for what candidate ?—I can only say about how many would have voted for Karaitiana. I do not know how many would have voted for Hotene. 74. What would have been the proportion ?—I cannot tell. I only know those who would have voted for Karaitiana. 75. Well, how many would have voted for Karaitiana ?—Eighty. 76. That was at the polling-place where no poll was taken ? —Yes. 77. Mr. Macandrew.] Have you no idea how many persons would have voted for the other candidates ?—No. 78. Mr. Montgomery.] How do you arrive at the opinion that eighty would have voted for Karaitiana ?—They sent me down their names. 79. Mr. Bastings.] Where were you at the time of the electiou —that is, on the day of the election?—l was at Te Awanui. 80. How far is that from where the poll should have been taken, Waiapu?—lt is further than from here to the Hutt. I cannot exactly mention the distance. It is a good deal further than the Hutt. 81. Mr. Montgomery.] Has Mr. Campbell the list you speak of ?—No, I have it. It is at my lodgings. "" [Witness directed to produce the list next sitting day.] 82. Mr. Macandrew.] AVhen did you get this list—before or after the polling-day? —It was sent to me subsequently to the polling-day. They sent it down to me, and explained that owing to the weather they were unable to get to the place to record their votes for Karaitiana. 83. Mr. Tole.] Where was Mohi Turei on the day of the polling ?—I did not see him. He did not come to Te Awanui. He was on the other side of the river. 84. Mr. Williams.] Do you know whether the votes stated to have been given at the Waiapu polling-place were given at Te Awanui ? — They were the votes of the persons who attended to give their votes. They voted at Te Awanui, and not at Waiapu.

Henare Tomoana,

11 July, 1876.

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