H.—7

10

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Monday, 6th February, 1888. The Commission met at 11 a.m. in the Ministers' room, Bond Street, Dunedin. Present: Messrs. H. P. Higginson and W. H. Skinner. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Skinner, that Mr. Higginson should act as Chairman pro tern., and the election of Chairman be deferred until the arrival of Mr. Mountfort in Dunedin. Formal notice was given in writing by the Secretary to Messrs. W. N. Blair, E. A. Lawson, and James Gore, requesting their attendance on Thursday, the 9th February, for the purpose of giving evidence before the Commission ; the two latter gentlemen were also informed that they might accompany the Commission to Seacliff on the 7th February, if so disposed. The Secretary was instructed to secure the services of a shorthand writer for Thursday, the 9th February. The Commission adjourned at 1 p.m. until 8 a.m. the next day.

Tuesday, 7th Febbuaey, 1888. The Commission (all present) proceeded to Seacliff by the 8.10 a.m. train and inspected the building, returning to Dunedin at 7.40 p.m. the same day. The Commissioners were accompanied by Messrs. Lawson, Architect; Gore, jun.; Blair; Ussher, Eesident Engineer; Hay, assistant engineer ; and Hunter, Inspector of Public Works.

Wednesday, Bth Febeuaby, 1888. The Commission, accompanied by Messrs. Ussher and Hunter, again proceeded to Seacliff to inspect the building, leaving town at 8.10 a.m., and returning at 7.40 p.m.

Thursday, 9th Februaby, 1888. The Commission met in the Ministers' room at 9.30 a.m. Present: Messrs. Higginson, Mountfort, and Skinner. The minutes of the three previous meetings were read and confirmed. On the motion of Mr. Mounbfort, seconded by Mr. Skinner, Mr. Higginson took the chair. At 11 a.m. Messrs. Blair, Lawson, Gore, and Gore, jun., were present. Messrs. Lawson and Gore raised an objection to proceeding with their evidence, as the absence of Mr. Brindley, the Inspector of Works of Seacliff Asylum building, was likely to greatly prejudice the case. A general discussion on the question followed. Mr. Blair then intimated his readiness to give evidence before the Commission on the following day. Besolved, That notice be given to Mr. Brindley to appear before the Commission as early as possible. The discussion was taken down. Besolved, That the inquiry be adjourned until next day at 11 a.m., and that Mr. Blair should be called as the first witness. The Commission met again at 2 p.m., and examined plans, documents, &c, until 5 p.m.

Fbiday, 10th Febbuaby, 1888. The Commission met at 9.30 a.m. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. At 11 o'clock Messrs. Lawson, Gore, sen. and jun., and Mr. Ussher were admitted. Mr. Blair, being sworn, then gave evidence before the Commission, and his evidence was taken down. Messrs. James Donald and E. B. Ussher gave evidence after having been duly sworn, and their evidence was taken down. At 5 p.m. the Commission adjourned until 10 a.m. the following day.

Satubday, 11th Febeuaey, 1888. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Commission conferred together, and examined plans and documents, and adjourned at 1 p.m. until Monday, the 13th.

Monday, 13th Febeuaey, 1888. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. At 10 a.m. Messrs. Blair, Lawson, Ussher, and Gore, sen. and jun., were admitted. Messrs. James Hunter, James Lough, and P. S. Hay gave evidence before the Commission, and their evidence was taken down.