1.—6.

They further think that a grant of mouey for the purpose of introducing weasels, as a natural check, into the country, would (if the object were attained) be of very great service. The Committee call the attention of the House especially to the evidence of Captain Walker, Conservator of the State Porests, showing that forest-planting by the Government will be useless expense if rabbits are allowed to multiply uncontrolled in the neighbourhood of plantations. Samuel Hodgkinson, Tuesday, 29th August, 1876. Chairman.

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS. Monday, 31st July, 1876. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 11 o'clock a.m. Peesent: Mr. Andrew, Mr. Larnach, Mr. Bunny, Mr. Manders, Mr. Hodgkinson, Mr. Wason. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Bunny, That Mr. Hodgkinson do tako the chair. Orders of reference read. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Andrew, seconded by Mr. Larnach, That William Beetham, Esq., of Brancepeth, and G. Beetham, Esq., of The Camp, Featherston, be requested to attend and give evidence before the Committee at the next sitting. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Andrew, seconded by Mr. Larnach, That application be made for the Legislative Council to give permission that the Hon. Sir J. L. C. Richardson, the Hon. Dr. Menzies, the Hon. Captain Fraser, the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, the Hon. Mr. Nurse, and the Hon. Mr. Robinson, have leave to attend to give evidence. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Larnach, seconded by Mr. Andrew, That the Chairman at once communicates with the Secretary of the Pastoral Association of Southland, and any other persons interested, that the Committee feel they have sufficient evidence for their purpose at hand, and that they do not feel justified in putting the country to any expense; but at the same time they would be glad to receive evidence from any quarter, it being understood that witnesses come at their own expense. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Larnach, seconded by Mr. Andrew, that the draft Bill on the Rabbit Nuisance, and all letters connected with same, be printed for distribution amongst the Committee. Resolved, That the Committee be adjourned until 12 o'clock to-morrow.

Tuesday, Ist August, 1876. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 12 o'clock. Peesent : Mr. Andrew, Mr. Seymour, Mr. Hodgkinson, Mr. Wason. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Andrew gave notice that Mr. William Beetham and Mr. George Beetham, in accordance with summonses, were duly in attendance. Mr. W. Beetham's evidence first, and Mr. G. Beetham's evidence next, were taken down in due order by the reporter in attendance. Resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, That the meeting be adjourned until Wednesday, the 2nd August, 1576, at 11 o'clock a.m.

Wednesday, 2nd August, 1876. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 11 o'clock a.m. Peesent: Mr. Hodgkinson, Mr. Seymour, Mr. Larnach, Mr. Wason. Mr. Manders, The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. William Smith, of the Kaikoura, attended and gave evidence, which was taken down by the reporter.