11

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James Bishop, mining manager, and Neil Dundonald Cochrane, Inspector of Mines, were recalled, and gave further evidence. The evidence of all these witnesses was taken down. This concluded the evidence at Brunnerton. The Commission adjourned at 3.30 p.m. to 10 o'clock the following morning.

Saturday, 16th May, 1896. The members of the Commission spent the day in visiting the Black Ball Mine. The Secretary was instructed to insert the following advertisement in the Argus and Star (Greymouth) and Brunner News (Brunnerton): — " Brunner Coal-mine Boyal Commission. —The Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the circumstances attending the recent accident in the Brunner Coal-mine will hold a further sitting, for taking evidence, at the Courthouse, Greymouth, on Monday, 18th May, at 9 o'clock. All persons who are desirous of giving evidence, and who have not yet been heard, are invited to come forward and tender the same at the above hour and place.—W. H. Russell, Secretary."

Monday, 18th May, 1896. The Commission met at Greymouth at 9 a.m. Present: All the Commissioners. The Chairman said that, in accordance with the advertisement appearing in the daily papers, the Commission was prepared to receive, on oath, the evidence of any persons regarding the accident, and who had not already been heard, but no further witnesses came forward. James Bishop, mining manager, and Neil Dundonald - Cochrane, Inspector of Mines, were recalled, and further examined. Their evidence was taken down. The Chairman announced that the Commission had concluded its sittings at Greymouth, and that the members of the Commission would probably remain a short time in Westport to make a few inquiries relative to the new system of firing shots, but no evidence would be taken there. There was, therefore, no need for counsel to travel to Westport. The Commission adjourned at 9-45 a.m., and left Greymouth for Wellington at noon. On arrival at Westport, Messrs. Proud and Skellon remained to visit the Denniston mines, Judge Ward, Sir James Hector, and the Secretary continuing the journey to Wellington.

Thursday, 2 Ist May, 1896. The Commission met at the Museum, Wellington, at 11 a.m. Present: His Honour Judge Ward (Chairman) and Sir James Hector. Consideration of the report was commenced, and the Commission adjourned at 1 p.m.

Friday, 22nd May, 1896. The Commission met at the Museum, at 10 a.m. Present: His Honour Judge Ward (Chairman) and Sir James Hector. The report was further considered. The Secretary was authorised to engage assistance in transcribing the evidence. The Chairman proceeded south in the afternoon.

Thursday, 28th May, 1896. The Commission sat at Wellington, at 10 a.m. Present: Sir James Hector (Chairman), and Messrs Skellon and Proud. Messrs. Skellon and Proud who had visited the Coalbrookdale, Cardiff, Granity Creek, and Mohikinui Coal-mines, brought up a report on their visits to those mines, which, together with part of the evidence taken at Greymouth, was considered. [For report see appendix.] The Commission adjourned at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, 9th June, 1896. The Commission sat at Wellington, at 11 a.m. Present: Sir James Hector (Chairman), and Messrs. Proud and Skellon. Mr. Alexander Macdougall, managing director of the Greymouth and Point Elizabeth Railway and Coal Company, was sworn and gave evidence, which was taken down. The Commission adjourned at 1 p.m.

Friday, 29th May to Saturday, 13th June, 1896. The Commissioners were engaged in considering the evidence taken during the inquiry, and drafting the report.