1.—5

The Chairman read extract from petition from the settlers of the Waianiwha District. The report from the Southland Pastoral Association was read. The Committee then adjourned.

Feiday, 4th August, 1876. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 1.15 p.m. Peesent : Mr. Andrew, Mr. W. Wood. Mr. Hodgkinson, The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Committee then adjourned until Tuesday, Bth August, at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Bth August, 1876. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 11 o'clock a.m. Peesent : Mr. Andrew, Mr. Hodgkinson, Mr. Bunny, Mr. Wason. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Hon. Sir J. L. C. Richardson's evidence was taken down by reporter in attendance. Resolved, That the Committee be adjourned until 11 o'clock a.m. to-morrow.

Wednesday, 9th August 1876. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 11 o'clock, a.m. Peesent : Mr. Andrew, Mr. Manders, Mr. Hodgkinson, Mr. Seymour, Mr. Larnach, Mr. Wason. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Order of reference read of Bth August, and petition from Owners and occupiers of land in the Mataura District handed in. The evidence of the following gentlemen was taken down by reporter in attendance : —The Hon. Captain Fraser, the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse, and the Hon. Mr. Robinson. The Committee then adjourned.

Thuesday, 24th August, 1876. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 11 o'clock. Peesent : Mr. Andrew, Mr. Manders, Mr. Hodgkinson, Mr. Seymour, Mr. W. Wood. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Resolved, That the meeeting be adjourned until 12.15. Order of reference of 11th August read, and petition from Residents in the Winton and Forest Hill District handed in. Mr. Cuthbert Cowan, runholder from Southland, attended to give evidence, which was duly taken down by reporter in attendance. Letter from Arthur Gerrard, farmer, Limehills, read by Chairman and handed in. Mr. W. Wood moved that the following resolution —viz., " Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Larnach, seconded by Mr. Andrew, That the Chairman at once communicate 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 bo glad to receive evidence from any quarter, it being understood that witnesses come at their own expense "■—passed by Committee on 31st July, 1876, be rescinded forthwith, in order to enable the mover to move that evidence be sent for from amongst those who have signed the petitions against legislation on the rabbit nuisance. And the question being put, the Committee divided, and the names were taken down as follows :— Ayes. Noes. Mr. W. Wood. Mr. Andrew, Mr. Hodgkinson, Mr. Manders. The motion was therefore negatived.