1.—6a..

promises, &c, to the Natives in regard to land on the "West Coast, in view of the appointment of a Royal Commission at a future time. 11. That Mr. Rees was the barrister so retain-d, being a member of the House of Representatives at the time. 111. That the money was paid without a vote, though Parliament was in session at the time of payment. IV. That pressure was brought upon Mr Hoani Nahe to pay the money with great haste, and against his own judgment. V. That nothing of any practical value has been done for the money so paid, and that no public purpose has been served by its payment. The Committee are forced to the conclusion that the money in question has been paid in a most irregular manner; that for the House to vote it would be establishing a dangerous precedent; and that Part VIII. of the Public Revenues Act, 1878, gives full power to the Executive to deal with the circumstances of this case should they agree with the conclusion at which the Committee has arrived. 28th August,, 1880. E. C. J. Stevens, Chairman.

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Monday, 12th July, 1880. The Committee met at 11 a.m. Present: Mr. Stevens (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Ballance, Hon. Mr. Dick, Hon. Mr. Hall, Mr. Johnston, Mr. McLean, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Moss, and Mr. Wood. Order of reference from the House, dated 7th July, read. The Chairman read copy of the evidence given last Session by Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Sievwright, as to the payment of £300. Moved by Mr. McLean, and Resolved, That Mr. Hoani Nahe be summoned to attend the Committee and give evidence respecting the payment of £300 to Mr. Sievwright. Moved by Mr. Ballance and Resolved, That Sir G. Grey, K.C.8., M.H.E., be summoned to give evidence on the case. Moved by Mr. Ballance and Resolved, That when Mr. W. L. Eees arrives in Wellington, he be also summoned to give evidence. Adjourned.

Tuesday, 13th July, 1880. The Committee met at 11 a.m. Present: Mr. Stevens (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Ballance, Hon. Mr. Dick, Sir G. Grey, Mr. Johnston, Mr. McLean, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Moss, Mr. Saunders, and Mr. Wood. Sir George Grey present for examination. The Chairman read to him the report adopted by the Committee last Session, and part of the evidence of Mr. Lewis, in reference to the payment. Sir G. Grey then was examined. (See evidence.) At the conclusion of the evidence the Clerk was directed to summon the Controller and AuditorGeneral in reference to the payment, for next day. Adjourned.

Wednesday, 14th July, 1880. The Committee met at 11 a.m. Present: Mr. Stevens (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Ballance, Hon. Mr. Dick, Sir G. Grey, Mr. Johnston, Mr. McLean, Mr. Moss, Mr. Saunders, and Mr. Wood. Mr. FitzGerald, Controller and Auditor-General, attended and gave evidence. (See evidence.) The Chairman was authorised to hand Mr. FitzGerald all evidence, vouchers, and other papers in reference to this payment for his perusal and return. The Clerk was directed to summon him again for next Monday. Adjourned.

Monday, 19th July, 1880. The Committee met at 11 a.m. Present: Mr. Stevens (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Ballance, Sir G. Grey, Mr. Johnston, Mr. McLean, Mr. Moss, and Mr. Wood. Mr. FitzGerald, Auditor-General, was present, and handed in a written statement. (See Statement.) Owing to his having omitted to bring the copies of evidence with him, his examination was postponed to next day. Motion made (Sir G. Grey) and question proposed—That, looking to the remarks made in Parliament and in this Committee on the subject of the amount paid to Mr. Bees, it would be just that he should be heard before this Committee, and that the Chairman be requested to summon Mr. Eees to give evidence before the Committee. Motion made (Mr. McLean) and question put—That the consideration of the foregoing proposition be postponed to to-morrow, and that the Chairman telegraph to Mr. Eees to enquire if he is coming to Wellington. The Committee divided.

3