H.—3

2

No. 2. Report on Petition of John Lundon. The petitioner states that, in 1874, 300 duly attested claims by persons entitled to vote at the election of a member to represent the district in the House were lodged with the Returning Officer within the time prescribed by law. That petitioner's brother, Mr. P. Lundon, was the attesting witness to 156 of the said claims. That Mr. Williams, the Returning Officer of the district, objected to and disallowed 155 of the claims so attested by Mr. Lundon. That, in 1875, the said Returning Officer objected to the claims of persons claiming to be entitled to vote as aforesaid after the expiration of the time allowed by law for making such objection. Petitioner prays that relief be afforded him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the Government should make inquiry into the truth of the allegations made by petitioner, which are of a serious character, by the appointment of some impartial and competent person, not being an officer of the Government or a resident in the district, who should make local inquiry, and report the facts to the Government. T. Kelly, 27th October, 1876. Chairman.

No. 3. Minute by the Hon. D. Pollen. Refer to Mr. Williams for remark. 18th November, 1876. Daniel Pollen.

No. 4. Mr. E. M. Williams to the Hon. D. Pollen. The Hon. Dr. Pollen, — Petitioner's allegations are untrue. I hope that tho Government, in justice to a public officer who has acted in strict compliance with the law, will cause inquiry to be made. Waimate, 11th December, 1876. Edward M. Williams.

No. 5. Mr. John Lundon to the Hon. F. Whitakee. Sir, — Auckland, 24th December, 1876. The Public Petitions Committee of the last Session of tho House of Representatives having reported (in reference to my petition on the subject of improprieties by Mr. Williams in his capacity as Registration and Returning Officer of the Mongonui and Bay of Islands Electoral District), as follows :—" That the Government should make inquiries into the truth of the allegations made by the petitioner, which are of a serious character, by the appointment of some impartial and competent person, not being an officer of the" Government or a resident of the district, who should make local inquiry, and report the facts to the Government," I have the honor to respectfully request that you will be pleased to make the appointment referred to in that report. I have, &c, The Hon. F. Whitaker, John Lundon. Attorney-General and Resident Minister, Auckland.

No. 6. Mr. H. T. Kemp, C.C, Auckland, to Major Clare. Sir, — Civil Commissioner's Office, Auckland, 13th February, 1877. I am directed by the Hon. Dr. Pollen to ask you whether you will be willing to undertake an inquiry into certain charges made by Mr. John Lundon against Mr. E. M. Williams, as Returning Officer during the last general election, recommended by the Select Committee on Public Petitions. The remuneration will be one guinea per diem, and you will be reimbursed your actual outlay for travelling. I enclose herewith the necessary papers on the subject, and shall feel obliged by your letting me know your decision as early as convenient. I have, &c, Major Clare, Cambridge. H. T. Kemp, C.C.

No. 7. Major Clare to Mr. H. T. Kemp, C.C. Sir,— Cambridge, 17th February, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated 13th instant, No. D 32, with enclosures, and to state in reply, for the information of the Hon. Dr. Pollen, that I shall be happy to undertake the duty of making the necessary inquiry into the subject therein referred to. It will not be convenient for me to leave before the 24th instant, but I shall be ready to proceed any day thereafter, on receiving instructions from you as to the date appointed for me to be on the required spot. I have, &c, H. T. Kemp, Esq., Civil Commissioner, Auckland. William Clabe.