1.-6

Upon the amendment being put, it was resolved in the affirmative. Resolved, on the motion of the Hon. Major Steward, That the evidence, &c, be printed, and that the Government give the necessary instructions to have it printed as soon as possible. The Committee then adjourned.

Wednesday, 29th July, 1896. Present: Mr. Graham (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Mr. Hutchison, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Maslin, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman stated that the notices had been sent to witnesses as ordered by the Committee. Hon. Mr. Seddon moved, That, as there is a no-confidence motion on in the House, the Committee do adjourn until the conclusion of the debate. After discussion the mover obtained leave to strike out "until the conclusion of the debate," and insert "till Friday next." Mr. Hutchison moved, by way of amendment, to strike out "Friday next," and insert " to-morrow." Upon the question being put, " That the words ' Friday next' be retained," a division was called for, and the names were taken down as foliow_: — Ayes, s. —Mr. Graham, Mr. Guinness, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward. Noes, 3.—Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Maslin, Mr. Montgomery. The motion was then put, and it was resolved in the affirmative. The Committee then adjourned until Friday next at 10.30 o'clock a.m.

Friday, 31st July, 1896. Present: Mr. Graham (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Maslin, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward, Mr. Tanner. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. The Chairman stated he had received a telegram from Mr. John Murray, Sydney, in which Mr. Murray stated he had received the Committee's request to attend, and that he was writing. Mr. Guinness moved, That the Committee do adjourn until Monday next at 10.30 a.m. Upon the question being put, a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow:— Ayes, 4. —Mr. Guinness, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward. Noes, s.—Mr. Graham, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Maslin, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Tanner. So it passed in the negative. Mr. William Booth attended, and handed in certain statements, returns, and documents, and the same were numbered 2 to 11 inclusive. Hon. Mr. Seddon moved, That the Committee do adjourn until Monday next at 10.30 a.m. And the question being put, a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow :— Ayes, 6. —Mr. Guinness, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward. Noes, 4.—Mr. Graham, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Maslin, Mr. Tanner. So it was resolved in the affirmative. The Committee adjourned accordingly.

Monday, 3rd August, 1896. Present: Mr. Graham (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Maslin, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward, Mr. Tanner. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Mr. W T illiam Booth attended and handed in further statements, which were marked as Exhibits 12 and 13. Hon. Mr. Seddon moved, That the Committee adjourn until 10.30 o'clock on Wednesday. Mr. Graham moved, by way of amendment, That the Committee proceed to deliberate. Upon the amendment being put, it passed in the negative. Upon the original motion being put, a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow:— Ayes, s.—Mr. Guinness, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward. Noes, s.—Mr. Graham, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Maslin, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Tanner. And the votes being equal, the Chairman gave his casting-vote with the " Noes." So it passed in the negative. Hon. Mr. Seddon moved, That the Committee do now deliberate. Upon the question being put, a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow :— Ayes, s.—Mr. Graham, Mr. Guinness, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward. Noes, s.—Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Maslin, Mr. McGowan, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Tanner. And the votes being equal, the Chairman gave his easting-vote with the " Ayes."

XXVI