1.-6

XXXVI

Monday, 24th August, 1896. Present: Mr. Graham (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Mr. Tanner. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Mr. William Watson attended and made a further statement, which was taken down by the xeporter. Mr. Watson handed in a memorandum of counsels' fees, Validation Court proceedings, Gisborne, and the same was marked as Exhibit No. 36. Mr. Hutchison gave notice of motion for Wednesday next as follows : — 1. William Richard Cook, of Dunedin, the official liquidator (appointed 4th August, 1896) of the J. G. Ward Farmers' Association (Limited), to attend to give evidence, and to produce—(l.) Copy of the articles of association and memorandum of incorporation of the association ; (2) the original share-register of the association, and applications for and allotments and transfers of shares ; (3) the original balance-sheets and directors'reports of the association; (4) up to 31st December, 1895, all the original books of account, letter-books, original letters and telegrams (as received), and all other documents, papers, and writings relating to the affairs of the association, including the originals of all bills of exchange, or promissory notes, drafts, and cheques retired or returned ; (5) copy of the articles of association and memorandum of the incorporation of the Ocean Beach Refrigerating Company (Limited), and all the books of account and records of such company, including copies of all circulars issued for or by the company ; (6) copies of income-tax returns of association made in 1893, 1894, and 1895 ; (7) all other books, documents, papers, and writings relating to the matters respectively above mentioned, and now in his possession, custody, or control as such liquidator. 2. To renew motion rejected on Friday, 24th July, for the production by the liquidators of the Colonial Bank of the books and documents relating to the various transactions between the bank and the Ward Association. 3. That members of Committee hand in by Thursday morning such questions as they may desire to have answered by Mr. John Murray, and that on receipt of answers to such questions the same, with the statement already received, be taken into consideration by the Committee, as to whether the whole should be treated as evidence. At 1 p.m. the Hon. Mr. Seddon moved, That the Committee adjourn till 10-30 p.m. tomorrow. Mr. Hutchison moved, by way of amendment, That the Committee adjourn till 2.30 p.m. to-day. Upon the question being put, " That 10.30 to-morrow stand," a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow :— Ayes, 7. —Mr. Graham, Mr. Guinness, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Mr. Tanner. No, 1. —Mr. Hutchison. So it was resolved in the affirmative. The main question was then put, and it was resolved in the affirmative, and the Committee adjourned accordingly.

Tuesday, 25th August, 1896. Present: Mr. Graham (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward, Mr. Tanner. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Mr. William Watson attended, and continued his statement, and the same was taken down by the reporter. Mr. Watson handed in further statement of counsels' fees paid re Validation Court proceedings, Gisborne, and statement of payment to directors during year ended 31st March, 1896, Bank of New Zealand, and the same were marked as Exhibits Nos. 37 and 38. At 1 p.m. Hon. Mr. Seddon moved, That the Committee do now adjourn until 11 o'clock tomorrow. Mr. Hutchison moved, by way of amendment, That the hour be 10.30. Upon the question being put, " That 11 o'clock stand," a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow :— Ayes, s.—Mr. Graham, Mr. Guinness, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Hon. Mr. Seddon. Noes, 2.—Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Montgomery. So it was resolved in the affirmative. And the main question being put, it was resolved in the affirmative. The Committee adjourned accordingly.

Wednesday, 26th August, 1896. Present: Mr. Graham (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. McGowan, Hon. Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Seddon, Hon. Major Steward. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Resolved, on the motion of Hon. Major Steward, That Mr. Robert McOwen, for some time manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Invercargill, be ordered to be in readiness to attend as a witness. Mr. Hutchison moved, That William Richard Cook, of Dunedin, the official liquidator (appointed 4th August, 1896) of the J. G. Ward Farmers' Association (Limited), to attend to give evidence,