7

I.—7a.

Tuesday, 17th September, 1895. Present: Mr. Guinness (Chairman), Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Tanner. Mr. Guinness was, on the motion of Mr. Mackenzie, voted to the chair. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. The following attended: Messrs. Blow, Beid, Menteath, Skerrett, MacNeil, Bridson, and Augustus Castendyk, of Wellington, merchant. Mr. Castendyk was sworn, and made a statement, which was taken down by the reporter. Hugh MacNeil, the younger, recalled, and made a further statement, which was taken down by the reporter. Mr. Skerrett announced that this would close his case. The witnesses withdrew. After discussion, Resolved, That Mr. Menteath should first address the Committee, that Mr. Bead should follow, then Mr. Skerrett, and Mr. Menteath have the right to reply. The witnesses having been readmitted, the above was communicated to them. Mr. Menteath addressed the Committee, and his address was taken down by the reporter. Mr Beid addressed the Committee, and his address was taken down by the reporter. The Committee then adjourned until Friday next at 10.30 o'clock a.m.

Thursday, 26th September, 1895. Present: Mr. Guinness (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Larnach, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Mr. T. Thompson. Mr. Guinness was, on the motion of Mr. McGowan, voted to the chair. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. The two Orders of Beference of the 24th and 25th September read by the clerk. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. A. Saunders resigning his position as Chairman and member of the Gommittee in consequence of illness. Resolved, on the motion of the Hon. the Premier, That the Committee desire to place on record its appreciation of Mr. Saunders' services on the Committee, and its regret that the severity of his illness has necessitated his resignation. Resolved, That the above resolution be reported to the House, and that a letter be sent to Mr. Saunders enclosing copy of same. The Hon. the Premier gave notice that to-morrow he would move, That a Chairman be appointed in place of Mr. Saunders, resigned. Mr. Guinness stated that Mr. MacNeil, who had been waiting some four or five weeks, had expressed a wish for the postponement of the inquiry, in order that he might return to Dunedin to attend to his English mail letters. Resolved, on the motion of the Hon. the Premier, That the inquiry be adjourned until next Tuesday week at 10.30 a.m. The Committee then adjourned until to-morrow at 11 o'clock a.m.

Feiday, 27th Septembee, 1895. Present: Mr. Button, Mr. Lang, Hon. Mr. Larnach (Chairman), Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Mr. Tanner, Mr. T. Thompson, Hon. Mr. Ward. The Hon. Mr. Seddon moved that the Hon. Mr. Larnach be appointed Chairman of the Committee. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Resolved, That the Committee resume the inquiry re Briscoe, MacNeil, and Co.'s contract on Friday next.

Feiday, 11th Octobee, 1895. Present: Mr. Button, Mr. Guinness, Mr. Lang, Hon. Mr. Larnaoh (Chairman), Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Sir B. Stout, Mr. Tanner, Mr. T. Thompson, Hon. Mr. Ward. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. The following attended : Messrs. Blow, Beid, Menteath, Skerrett, and MacNeil. Mr. Skerrett addressed the Committee, and his address was taken down by the reporter. The Committee then adjourned until Tuesday next at 11 o'clock a.m. Tuesday, 15th Octobee, 1895. Present: Mr. Guinness, Mr. G. Hutchison, Hon. Mr. Larnach (Chairman), Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Sir B. Stout, Mr. Tanner, Mr. T. Thompson, Hon. Mr. Ward. The minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. The following attended : Messrs. Menteath, Eeid, MacNeil, and Skerrett. Mr. Menteath addressed the Committee, and his address was taken down by the reporter. After those in attendance withdrew some discussion took place as to drawing up the report. Resolved, on the motion of the Hon. Sir E. Stout, That a sub-committee, consisting of Hon. Mr. Larnach, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. T. Thompson, and Mr. T. Mackenzie, be appointed to consider the evidence, and draw up a draft report for consideration by the full Committee.