I.—sa

XV

(Telegram.) 14th September, 1894. Be Pomahaka Inquiry.—The editor's withdrawal of his imputations cannot, in the opinion of the Committee, affect the fact that they were made, and the Chairman instructs me to express his surprice that you should value the reputation of your firm so lightly. Unless by to-morrow (Saturday morning) I receive your assurance that you will attend .forthwith, bringing with you all books and papers relating to the financial transactions between your firm and Mr. Douglas in connection with the Pomahaka Estate, you will be reported to the House for contempt. W. F. Hilson, Clerk, Waste Lands Committee, J. A. Johnstone, Esq., House of Eepresentatives, Wellington. Messrs. Wright, Stephenson, and Co., Auctioneers, Dunedin.

(Telegram.) 14th September, 1894. Leaving by to-morrow's express to catch steamer at Lyttelton. Hope Committee can arrange to have my evidence taken at nine o'clock on Monday morning, so that I may return by " Talune," as I must be in Dunedin on Wednesday. Kindly send note of arrangements to Empire Hotel, so that I may get it on arrival. J. A. Johnstone, Dunedin. W. F. Hilson, Esq., Clerk, Waste Lands Committee, House of Eepresentatives, Wellington.

(Telegram.) 19th September, 1894. Be Pomahaka inquiry.—l am directed by the Chairman of the Waste Lands Committee to ask can you state whether any offer was made by you between 1870 and 1880 to Mr. Douglas for purchase of 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? Eeply collect. W. F. Hilson, Clerk, Waste Lands Committee, Alexander Brown, Esq., Abbotsford. House of Eepresentatives, Wellington.

(Telegram.) 20th September, 1894. Be Pomahaka property.—Cannot remember any definite offer made between 1871 and 1880. Asked Mr. Begg to place Pomahaka under offer at £2 12s. 6d. about twelve years ago, and asked Douglas to place it under offer at £2 10s. per acre, about seven years ago. v Alex. Brown, Abbotsford. W. F. Hilson, Clerk, Waste Lands Committee, Wellington.