H.—7

6

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Wednesday, 4th May, 1892. The Commissioners met at the Parliamentary Buildings, at 3 p.m. Present: A. Saunders, Esq., M.H.R., T. K. Macdonald, Esq., and J. H. Baker, Esq. The Royal Commission was read. Resolved, That Mr. Saunders be appointed Chairman of the Commission. Resolved, That Mr. J. F. Andrews be appointed secretary, and Mr. Donald McLennan assistant secretary, to the Commission. Resolved, That a letter be forwarded to the Minister of Defence requesting that the Commission be extended to the 18th June, and that the Commission be forwarded to the Minister for amendment accordingly. Resolved, that the Commission shall sit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The question as to whether the proceedings should be public or private, and whether the representatives of the Press be admitted, was held over for the present. Mr. Kirk, of the firm of Kirk and Atkinson, applied to have access to the Commission, and also to be represented by counsel, as his firm was a party to the sale. The Chairman said a good deal of preliminary work had yet to be settled, and the question as to whether the inquiry should be public or private had not been decided. Mr. Kirk said he was entirely in the hands of the Commissioners. The Commissioners would take time to consider the matter. The secretary was instructed to request Captain Humfrey to be in attendance at 11 a.m. on Friday morning. Colonel Hume was requested to furnish the Commissioners with a complete plan, giving the exact particulars of the land bought and paid for. The Commission adjourned till 11 a.m. on Thursday.

Thursday, sth May, 1892. The Commissioners met at 11 a.m. Present: A. Saunders, Esq., M.H.R. (Chairman), T. K. Macdonald, Esq., and J. H. Baker, Esq. The Commissioners proceeded to Polhill Gully, accompanied by Colonel Hume (Under-Secretary for Defence), Mr. Seaton (surveyor), Mr. Donnelly, of the Defence Department, and Mr. Kirk, of the firm of Kirk and Atkinson. After making a thorough examination of the ground, the Commissioners adjourned till 2 p.m. Resolved, That the Press be admitted, and that any person having an interest in, or to be specially affected by, the inquiry be allowed to be present either in person or by proxy. Resolved, That no person be allowed to address the Commissioners in the interest of any person or persons. Resolved, That the Chairman shall have a deliberative as well as a casting vote. Resolved, That a return be obtained from the District Land Registrar of all transactions which have been registered in connection with Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, Block XV. or XV.a, adjoining the Town of Wellington, at a place known as Polhill Gully. The Commission adjourned till Friday at 11 a.m.

Friday, 6th May, 1892. The Commission met at 11 a.m. Present: A.Saunders, Esq., M.H.R. (Chairman), T. K. Macdonald, Esq., and J. H. Baker, Esq. Mr. Kirk, of the firm of Kirk and Atkinson, made a statement, and was examined by the Commissioners. Captain Humfrey was examined. The Commission adjourned till 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Saturday, 7th May, 1892. The Commission met at 11 a.m. Present: A. Saunders, Esq., M.H.R. (Chairman), T. X, Macdonald, Esq., and J. H. Baker, Esq. Mrs. Agnes Simeon, and Messrs. Tamati Wiremu te Wera and Rapana te Ohiro gave evidence. Mr. W. J. Haines made a statement, and asked when the Commissioners would be prepared to receive a petition protesting against the erection of a rifle-range at Polhill Gully. The Chairman said the Commissioners would be prepared to receive such a petition on Monday, the 9th instant. The Commission adjourned till Monday, at 11 a.m.

Monday, 9th May, 1892. The Commission met at 11 a.m. Present: A. Saunders, Esq., M.H.R. (Chairman), T, K. Macdonald, Esq., and J. H. Baker, Esq. Mr. Kirk gave further evidence.