1.—7

4

least five are wanted, till new ledgers are opened and entries for some time past copied into them, implying large amount of work, which can only be done by qualified clerks in overtime, the books being in constant use, they will understand that by this item alone much time must be unavoidably occupied. John Mubbay.

Mr. W. H. Colbeck to Mr. E. Withy, M.H.E. (Telegram.) Auckland, 21st July, 1890. On behalf of board of directors I must respectfully protest against important bank records, such as current account ledgers of which no duplicates exist, being exposed to loss in transit; the directors' minute-book too, of which there is no duplicate, and which it would be impossible to replace, is a record the loss of which, in event of litigation for instance, would entail the very gravest consequences to many people. This book we must respectfully decline to send to Wellington unless the Committee positively insist on it, and indemnify us and all others whom it may concern against any consequences which may arise from its loss. W. H. Colbeck, President.

[Extract from Minutes, Wednesday, 23rd July.] The Chairman reported that Mr. Hutchison had consented to limit his requisition from the Bank of New Zealand by substituting " 31st day of March " for " Ist day of July " in paragraph No. 1.

Mr. Withy, M.H.E., to Mr. W. H. Colbeck. (Telegram.) Wellington, 22nd July, 1890. Eeplying to first portion of your telegram of 21st, you may substitute 31st day of March for Ist day of July in paragraph 1 of my telegram of the 15th to Mr. Murray. Will this relieve you from sending books of account in current use ? Edward Withy, Chairman.

Mr. W. H. Colbeck to Mr. Withy, M.H.E. (Telegram.) Auckland, 23rd July, 1890. No part of my telegram makes special reference to books of account in current use, and the objection is not met by relieving us from sending away a few of so many bank records. We have asked Mr. Murray to proceed Wellington to-morrow to explain our views and position to Committee. W. H. Colbeck.

Friday, 25th July, 1890. The Committee, having heard Mr. H. D. Bell (who appeared with Mr. E. Stafford for the Bank of New Zealand, respecting the requisition made upon them for books and documents), on the 24th July, came to the following resolution on the 25th: — " That this Committee sees no reason to vary the requsition already made to the Bank of New Zealand for the production of books and documents." This was followed by a resolution to the effect— "That the Chairman send a copy of the last resolution to the counsel of the Bank of New Zealand in Wellington, and telegraph it to the bank in Auckland." W. H. Colbeck, Esq., president of the bank, replied as follows: — These instructions were carried out. " Auckland, 25th July. " Your telegram ending ' documents.' Mr. John Murray will be in Auckland to-night, and will call upon the Committee to-morrow."

Mr. J. Mubbay to Mr. E. Withy, M.H.E. Sir,— Bank of New Zealand, Wellington, 28th July, 1890. I have the honour to inform you that I am now in Wellington, and prepared to submit myself for examination by the Committee, upon rceeiving notice of their wishes as to time and place. I have, &c, E. Withy Esq., M.H.E., Chairman. John Mubbay.

Mr. E. Withy, M.H.E. to Mr. J. Mubbay. Sib ; House of Eepresentatives, 28th July, 1890. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favour of this date, informing me that you are prepared to submit yourself for examination by the Accusations by Member for Waitotara Committee. I regret my inability at present to state the wishes of the Committee as to the time and place for hearing you. The Committee will meet for deliberation at 11 o'clock to-morrow (Tuesday). I have, &c, John Murray, Esq. E. Withy, Chairman.