1.—9

V

B. Besolved, That Mr. James McEnnis, Clerk of the Warden's Court, be summoned to attend and produce register or roll of miners' rights issued by him, and to give evidence as to the existence or otherwise of the Chinese mentioned by Mr. Hutchison. Besolved, on the motion of the Hon. Mr. Ward, That Mr. George Hutchison be asked to attend and give evidence before the Committee at next meeting. Besolved, on the motion of Mr. Graham, That all the following matter be printed and circulated to the members of the Committee: Copy of the special audit report of the Borough of Kumara, 1882; depositions taken before Dr. Giles, E.M., in the trial of James Wylde, Town Clerk, of Kumara, 1882 ; Judge's notes in the trial of James Wylde in the Supreme Court, Hokitika, 1883; extracts from West Coast Times, 1882-83, containing reports of above cases. The Committee then adjourned to Tuesday, 11th October, at 10.30 a.m.

Tuesday, 11th Octobee, 1898. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Sligo (Chairman), Mr. Duncan, Mr. Duthie, Mr. Graham, Mr. Massey, Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie, Mr. Morrison, Hon. Mr. Eolleston, Hon. Mr. Ward. Minutes of last meeting read and confirmed. Letter from Mr. George Hutchison stating his inability, owing to absence from town, to attend to-day's meeting, but stating that on his return he would be glad to consider any further communication. Moved by the Hon. Mr. Ward, That Mr. Hutchison be requested to attend and give evidence before the Committee at next meeting. Eesolved accordingly. Besolved, on the motion of the Hon. Mr. Ward, That the Clerk examine and compare Exhibits A, B, C, D, and E with the originals, and certify as to whether they are correct and complete copies. The Clerk reported having examined and compared the exhibits, and found them correct and complete copies of the originals. The following extracts were ordered to be printed and circulated : Extracts from Kumara Times; borough solicitor's opinion of the special audit report; Mr. Seddon's letter upon the prosecution of Mr. Wylde, and on the special audit report; report of meeting of the Kumara Borough Council. Mr. George Harper was called, sworn, and gave evidence. Mr. Guinness, M.H.E., was called, sworn, and gave evidence. A reporter was present, and took down the evidence in shorthand. The Committee then adjourned to Wednesday, the 12th, at 10.30 a.m.

Wednesday, 12th Octobee, 1898. Present: Mr. Sligo (Chairman), Mr. Duncan, Mr. Duthie, Mr. Graham, Mr. Massey, Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie, Mr. Morrison, Hon. Mr. Eolleston, Hon. Mr. Ward. Minutes of last meeting read and confirmed. Mr. George Hutchison attended and made a statement, saying he would not give evidence or take any part in the proceedings, attending now merely as a matter of courtesy. Mr. Guinness was called and further examined. A reporter was present, and took down the evidence in shorthand. The Committee adjourned to Thursday, 13th instant, at 10.30 a.m.

Feiday, 14th Octobee, 1898. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Sligo (Chairman), Mr. Duncan, Mr. Duthie, Mr. Graham, Mr. Massey, Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie, Mr. Morrison, Hon. Mr. Eolleston, Hon. Mr. Ward. Minutes of last meeting read and confirmed. The Hon. Mr. Eolleston drew attention to Standing Order No. 247, and asked for the Chairman's ruling as to whether the Committee could go on without acquainting the House with Mr. Hutchison's refusal to give evidence. Moved by Mr. Massey, That the Chairman acquaint Mr. Speaker with Mr. Hutchison's refusal to attend, and obtain his ruling. Moved by the Hon. Mr. Ward, by way of amendment, That all the words after " That" be omitted, with a view of inserting in lieu thereof the words " Mr. Hutchison having attended and having stated he would not give evidence, the matter stand over until the evidence of the other witnesses has been taken." On the Hon. Mr. Ward's amendment being put, the Committee divided, and the names were taken down as follow :— Ayes, s.—Mr. Duncan, Mr. Graham, Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie, Mr. Morrison, Hon. Mr. Ward. Noes, 4.—Mr. Duthie, Mr. Massey, Hon. Mr. Eolleston, Mr. Sligo. So it was resolved in the affirmative. Question amended. The original question having been so amended, it was proposed by Mr. Duthie, by way of further amendment, That all the words after the words " would not give evidence " be omitted, with a view of inserting in lieu thereof the words " the matter be reported to the House this afternoon.