5

I.—ll

Robinson, Hon. Mr. Walker, Hon. Sir G. S. Whitmore, K.C.M.G., Mr. Anderson, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Dodson, Mr. Lance, Mr. Lawry, Mr. J. McKenzie, and Captain Russell. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. C. Pharazyn, of Featherston, was present by desire of the Committee. On motion of Mr. Lance, it was resolved that a unanimous vote of thanks be given to Mr. Pharazyn for the highly useful and valuable information he had given to this Committee. Mr. Pharazyn, having acknowledged the same, thereon withdrew. Mr. Handyside, of Akitio, attended and gave evidence, and, having received the thanks of the Committee, withdrew. Mr. McCrae attended and gave evidence, and, being thanked, withdrew. The Committee deliberated. The Committee then adjourned till to-morrow.

Feiday, 16th August, 1889. The Committee met at 11 a.m., pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. Acland (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Campbell, Hon. Mr. Pharazyn, Hon. Mr. Walker, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Dodson, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Lance, Mr. Lawry, Mr. J. McKenzie, Captain Russell. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed. Consideration of the rabbit-pest resumed. Mr. Coleman Phillips attended and gave evidence, and, being thanked, withdrew. Mr. Martin attended and gave evidence, and, being thanked, withdrew. Mr. E. J. Riddiford attended and" gave evidence, and, being thanked, withdrew. The Committee deliberated. The Committee then adjourned till Tuesday next at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, 20th August, 1889. The Committee met at 11 a.m., pursuant to notice. Present: Hon. Mr. Acland (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Pharazyn, Hon. Mr. Robinson, Hon. Mr. Walker, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Dodson, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Lance, Mr Lawry, Mr. J. McKenzie. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed. Consideration of the rabbit-pest resumed. Mr. W. Beetham, of Masterton, attended and gave evidence, and, being thanked, withdrew. Mr. Huddlestone attended and gave evidence, and, being thanked, withdrew 7. The petition of G. Ross was read. Besolved, That further consideration of this matter be postponed. Mr. Lawry gave notice to move at the next meeting of the Committee, as follows: " That, in the opinion of this Committee, the Island of Motuihi, situated in the Auckland Harbour, known as Quarantine Island, should at once be declared a quarantine-ground for imported stock." A letter from Mr. Coleman Phillips was then read. The Committee then adjourned till Friday next.

Fbiday, 23kd August, 1889. The Committee met at 11 a.m., pursuant to notice. Present; Hon. Mr. Acland (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Campbell, Hon. Mr. Miller, Hon. Captain Morris, Hon. Mr. Pharazyn, Hon. Mr. Walker, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Dodson, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Kerr, Mr. Lance, Mr. Lawry, Mr. J. McKenzie, Captain Russell. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed. Consideration re outbreak of scab on Mount Patriarch Run was resumed. Mr. Hull, Sub-Inspector of Sheep, being present, gave evidence. The Committee then proceeded to consideration of the petition of G. Ross. Mr. McKenzie moved, That all the evidence taken on the matter of this petition be taken on oath. The Committee deliberated. And the question being put, the Committee divided, and the names were taken down as follow :— Ayes, 7. —Hon. Mr. Miller, Hon. Mr. Pharazyn, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Kerr, Mr. Lawry, Mr. McKenzie. Noes, s. —Hon. Captain Morris, Hon. Mr. Peter, Hon. Mr. Walker, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Dodson. So it was resolved in the affirmative. Mr. Hull, Sub-Inspector of Sheep, having taken the oath, gave evidence. The Hon. Mr. Pharazyn moved, That, as the Sub-Inspector, whose conduct is complained of by the petitioner, acted uncles the instructions of the Inspector, this petition should have been sent to him in the first instance instead of to the Governor. Under these circumstances, this Committee declines to consider the petition any further. The question being put, it passed in the negative. 2—l. 11.