I.—sa

Pomahaka, and what the offer was ? Have you ever at any time made offers to any one for the Pomahaka land ; and, if so, when, and what was the offer ? " The Committee then adjourned until Thursday, the 20th instant, at 11 a.m.

Thursday, 20th September, 1894. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Thompson (Chairman), Mr. Duncan, Mr. Green, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Mills, Hon. Sir E. Stout; also Dr. Fitchett and Mr. Scobie Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting on the 19th instant were read and confirmed. The Clerk read a telegram from Mr. Alexander Brown, Abbotsford, in reply to that from the Committee. Mr. John Douglas's further examination was then continued and concluded. Mr. Percy Smith, Surveyor-General, was recalled, and further examined on oath with reference to the report of the Land Purchase Board of Otago on the Conical Hills and Pomahaka Estates. Besolved, at request of Mr. Scobie Mackenzie, to summon Mr. H. L. Brittan, Inspector, Union Bank, Wellington, to give evidence before the Committee on Tuesday next, 25th September. The Committee then adjourned till Friday, the 21st September, at 11 a.m.

Friday, 21st September, 1894. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Thompson (Chairman), Mr. Duncan, Mr. Green, Mr. Hall, Mr. Hogg, Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. Mackintosh, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Mills; also Dr. Fitchett and Mr. Scobie Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting on the 20th instant were read and confirmed. The Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Minister of Lands, was examined on oath. The Committee then adjourned until Saturday, the 22nd instant, at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, 25th September, 1894. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Thompson (Chairman), Mr. Duncan, Mr. Green, Mr. Hall, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Lang, Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Mills, Hon. Sir E. Stout; also Dr. Fitchett and Mr. Scobie Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting held on the 22nd September were read and confirmed. Mr. William Turnbull, agent, Clinton, was examined on oath. The Committee then adjourned until Wednesday the 26th instant, at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, 26th September, 1894. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Thompson (Chairman), Mr. Duncan, Mr. Green, Mr. Hall, Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. Mills; also Dr. Fitchett and Mr. Scobie Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting on the 25th September were read and confirmed. Mr. Harry Lyttelton Brittan, Inspector, Union Bank, Wellington, was examined on oath. The Committee then adjourned till Thursday, 27th September, at 11 a.m.

Thursday, 27th Sehtember, 1894. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present : Mr. Thompson (Chairman), Mr. Duncan, Mr. Green, Mr. Hall, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Lang, Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Mills, Hon. Sir. E. Stout; also Dr. Fitchett and Mr. Scobie Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting on the 26th instant were read and confirmed. Mr. William Stevenson, farmer, Tuturau, was examined on oath. Mr. H. L. Brittan was recalled, in order to correct a date given in his evidence on the previous day. Mr. Thomas Mackenzie, M.H.E., Clutha, was then examined on oath. The Committee afterwards adjourned till Friday, 28th September, at 11 a.m.

Friday, 28th September, 1894. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Thompson (Chairman), Mr. Duncan, Mr. Green, Mr. Hall, Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Mills; also Dr. Fitchett and Mr. Scobie Mackenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting on the 27th instant were read and confirmed. By request of Mr. Scobie Mackenzie, Mr. J. D. Eitchie was recalled, and examined with regard to a telegram which passed between him and Mr. Douglas. Mr. Scobie Mackenzie was then examined on oath by Dr. Fitchett and the Committee. On the question being put, That the Committee, by permission of the House, should meet this (Friday) afternoon, instead of adjourning till Tuesday next, The Committee divided and the names were taken down as follow :— Ayes, 2.—Mr. Green, Mr. Mills. Noes, 3.—Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. Meredith. The Committee then adjourned till Tuesday next, at 10.30 a.m.

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