I.—llb

II

On the motion of Mr. Peacock, Resolved, That the further consideration of the district railway purchase applications be postponed until the next meeting of the Committee. On the motion of Mr. Dargaville, Resolved, That Mr. Macandrew, M.H.E., be summoned to give evidence on the Shag Point Coal Company's Eailway; Mr. Mitchelson, M.H.E., on the Whauwhau Colliery Branch Eailway; Mr. Hirst, M.H.E., on the Nightcaps Eailway; and Hon. Mr. Larnach, M.H.E., on the Ocean Beach Eailway; and that a telegram be sent to each company, informing them that the Committee are proceeding with this inquiry, and if they choose to send one or more witnesses at their own expense their evidence will be considered. On the motion of Mr. Barron, Resolved, That the names of the shareholders in these railways, and the coal companies connected with them, be obtained. On the motion of Mr. Barron, Resolved, That the companies be telegraphed to for the latest alance-sheets, to be supplied to the Committee. The Committee adjourned till Friday, the 9th July, at 11 o'clock.

Fbiday, 9th July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Gore, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Macandrew, M.H.E., and Mr. O'Connor, Under-Secretary for Public Works, attended and gave evidence. The Committee adjourned till Monday, the 12th July, at 11 o'clock.

Tuesday, 20th July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville,. Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Handyside, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Twining, and Mr. Eich attended and gave evidence. The Chairman was requested to telegraph to the Fernhill Company for a list of shareholders,. and to Mr. M. Pym, asking him who the " others " are that are mentioned in his letter. The Committee adjourned till Wednesday, the 21st July, at 11 o'clock.

Wednesday, 21st July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Montgomery, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman reported and read telegram to the Fernhill Company, and Montague Pym. The Committee adjourned till Thursday, the 22nd July, at 11 o'clock.

Monday, 2nd August, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Montgomery, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Hirst, M.H.E., Mr. Maxwell, General Manager of Eailways, and Mr. Mitchelson, M.H.E., attended and gave evidence. The Committee adjourned till Friday, the 6th August, at 11 o'clock.

Fbiday, 6th August, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Mr. Barron, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Gore, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman read memorandum from Mr. Mitchelson, M.H.E. The Committee then adjourned till Monday, the 9th August, at 11 o'clock.

Monday, 9th August, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Major Atkinson, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville,. Mr. Gore, Mr. Montgomery, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman read a telegram from Mr. Barnes, Mayor of Dunedin, and letter from Public Works Office, forwarding maps. ,__.,.-,-, . •-, _ j. i On the motion of Dr. Newman, Resolved, That Mr. J. C. Brown s evidence be taken.