11

H.—7

The following witnesses were summoned to attend at 11 a.m. on the following day: Messrs. Eobert Forrest, Benjamin Butcher, G. Cronk, G. Watkins, H. M. Henderson, and J. Dick. At 5 p.m. the Commission adjourned until the next day.

Tuesday, 14th Febeuaey, 1888. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Present : All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. At 11 a.m. Messrs. Blair, Ussher, Lawson, and Gore, sen. and jun., were admitted. Mr. P. S. Hay (recalled) and Mr. Daniel Dodd gave evidence. The evidence of these two witnesses was taken down. Mr. Lawson then objected to bring forward his evidence until the arrival of Mr. Brindley in Dunedin. A general discussion followed. The Commission decided to proceed with the hearing of evidence on the following day at 10 a.m. A written protest was then handed in, signed by Messrs. Lawson and James Gore. The Commission adjourned at 1.30 p.m. until the next day.

Wednesday, 15th Febeuaey, 1888. The Commission met at 10 a.m. in the Supreme Court buildings, pursuant to notice. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The proceedings were opened to the public, the Commission having previously so decided, and notified in the public Press. Before commencing the evidence the Chairman called the attention of the Press representatives to the fact that past and future proceedings should be equally fully reported, as they would have an opportunity of perusing all the previous evidence as soon as it was transcribed. Messrs. Eobert Forrest, George Cronk, George Watkins, Benjamin Butcher, and John Gore, having been duly sworn, gave evidence before the Commission. Their evidence was taken down. The Commission adjourned at 4 p.m. until the next day.

Thuesday, 16th Febeuaey, 1888. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Messrs. John Gore (recalled), Alfred Morrison, John Dick, and James Gore were duly sworn, and gave evidence before the Commission, and their evidence was taken down. The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m. to the next day.

Feiday, 17th Febeuaey, 1888. The Commission proceeded to Seacliff by the 8.10 a.m. train, and examined the Asylum building, returning by the 7.40 p.m. train. All the Commissioners were present.

Satueday, 18th Febeuaey, 1888. The Commission met at 9.30 a.m. in the Supreme Court building. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Commission examined plans and documents, and discussed the evidence taken, and adjourned at 1 p.m. to Monday, the 20th February.

Monday, 20th Febbuaey, 1888. The Commission met at 9.30 a.m. at the Supreme Court. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Commission examined plans, evidence, &c, and adjourned at 5 p.m. to the following day.

Tuesday, 21st Febbuaey, 1888. The Commission met pursuant to adjournment. Present: All the Commissioners. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. E. A. Lawson at this stage asked for leave to be represented by counsel. His request was, however, declined. Mr. Lawson, having been duly sworn, gave evidence before the Commission, and his evidence was taken down. The Commission then adjourned to Thursday, Wednesday being a public holiday.