H.-3

XX

Wednesday, 22nd April, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G. (Chairman), A. Loughrey, Esq., and T. Kennedy Macdonald, Esq., M.H.R. A memorandum was read frsm the Controller and Auditor-General with reference to the system of audit adopted in respect to the Public Trust Office. Ordered, That the memorandum be printed. The Rev. Charles Daniel de Castro, Chief Clerk in the Public Trust Office, gave evidence, and Mr. J. C. Moginie, Accountant in the Public Trust Office, gave further evidence. Besolved, That a return be furnished by the Public Trustee of all estates or parts of estates purchased by officers of the Public Trust Office in Wellington, either by auction or privately, showing what they consist of, whether personalty or realty, the dates, tiie estates to which any article or portion belonged ; also giving the names of the officers, their position in the Trust Office, when and where they made purchases, how, and the amounts paid. Mr. Peter Purvis Webb, of the Audit Department, gave evidence, and Mr. F. J. Wilson, Office Solicitor, gave evidence. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock.

Thuesday, 23rd April, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present : The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G. (Chairman), A. Loughrey, Esq., andT. Kennedy Macdonald, Esq., M.H.R. Besolved, That the Public Trustee furnish forthwith a complete list of all personalty now in his possession in Wellington, detailing each article, and the estate to which it belongs. The Rev. C. D. de Castro gave further evidence. Besolved, That the Public Trustee do forthwith request Messrs. George Thomas and Co. to forward to the Commissioners the auction-sales book containing the details of the sale held by them on behalf of the Public Trustee in the estate of Mrs. Dallon, deceased, on the 12th January, 1889. Messrs. A. de Castro, jun., Stanley Hamerton, W. L. Morrison, P. W. Haybittle, E. B. Bristow, and A. J. Cross gave evidence, and Mr. R. C. Hamerton, Public Trustee, gave further evidence. A letter was read from Mr. James Edward FitzGorald, asking to be allowed to see the evidence given by the Public Trustee and the officers of the Audit Department. The secretary was instructed to reply, and express the regret of the Commissioners that they cannot comply with Mr. FitzGerald's request, but if he wishes to give evidence before the Commission they would arrange any day that might suit his convenience. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock, resumed at 8, and adjourned at 11 o'clock.

Feiday, 24th Apeil, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. 3. M. Larnach C.M.G. (Chairman), T. Kennedy Macdonald, Esq., M.H.R., and A. Loughrey, Esq. Messrs. Stanley Hamerton, J. C. Moginie, W. L. Morrison, F. W. Haybittle, A. Watt, T. S. Ronaldson, T. T. Stevens, R. C. Hamerton (Public Trustee), and the Rev. C. D. de Castro gave further evidence. Mrs. W. L. Morrison also gave evidence. The Commission adjourned.

Satueday 25th Apeil, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G. (Chairman), A. Loughrey, Esq., and T. Kennedy Macdonald, Esq., M.H.R. The Rev. C. D. de Castro gave further evidence. Besolved, That a return be furnished by the Public Trustee showing all realty that has been disposed of privately or by auction, giving the names of the estates, the dates of disposal, the names of purchasers, the terms, and the total amount for which the estate was sold. Mr. R. C. Hamerton, Public Trustee, gave further evidence. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock, resumed at 8, and adjourned at 11 o'clock.

Monday, 27th Apeil, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G. (Chairman), T. Kennedy Macdonald, Esq., M.H.R., and A. Loughrey, Esq. Messrs. Stanley Hamerton and Arthur de Castro gave further evidence. Mrs. C. D. de Castro and Mr. W. L. Rees, M.H.R,, gave evidence. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock, resumed at 8, and adjourned at 11 o'clock.

* Tuesday, 28th April, 1891. The Commission met at 10 a.m. Present: The Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G- (Chairman), and A. Loughrey, Esq, The Commissioners examined books and papers. The Commission adjourned at 5 o'clock, resumed at 8, and adjourned at 11 o'clock. •