L—ll.

presented the petitions), Mr. H. D. Bell (solicitor for the Crown), and Mr. Blow (Under-Secretary for Public Works) were in attendance. A shorthand reporter was also in attendance to take notes. On motion of the Eight Hon. the Premier, Resolved, That Mr. Dalston be at once heard. Mr. Dalston then addressed the Committee. "Dr. Findlay and Mr. Bell also addressed the Committee. Papers relating to the case before the Committee were circulated amongst the members of the Committee, as well as being supplied to petitioners and counsel, through Mr. Blow (Undersecretary for Public Works). The Committee then adjourned till the following day at 10.30 a.m.

Thuesday, 6th September, 1900. The Committee met at 10.30 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. G. Fisher (Chairman), Mr. J. Allen, Mr. W. Eraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Palmer, and the Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Hon. Mr. Hall - Jones (Minister for Public Works), Mr. J. H. B. Coates (petitioner), Mr. Norman H. M. Dalston (petitioner), Mr. C. H. Mills, M.H.E. (who presented the petitions), Dr. Findlay (solicitor for the petitioners), Mr. H. D. Bell (solicitor for the Crown), and Mr. Blow (Under - Secretary for Public Works) were in attendance. A shorthand reporter was also in attendance to take notes. A paper (petition of debenture-holders to the London Stock Exchange, and letter of AgentGeneral to the Times in reference thereto) was circulated (through Mr. Blow) amongst the members of the Committee, petitioners, and counsel. Mr. Bell addressed the Committee. The Committee then adjourned till the following day at 10.30 a.m.

* Friday, 7th September, 1900. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. J. Allen, Mr. W. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Palmer, and the Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon. In the absence of the Chairman, Resolved, on the motion of the Eight Hon. Mr. Seddon, That Mr. W. Fraser do now take the chair. Mr. Fraser then took the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting, as amended, were read and confirmed. The Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones (Minister for Public Works), Mr. J. H. B. Coates (petitioner), Mr. Norman H. M. Dalston (petitioner), Mr. Mills, M.H.E. (who presented the petitions), Dr. Findlay (solicitor for the petitioners), Mr. H. D. Bell (solicitor for the Crown), and Mr. Blow (Under-Secretary for Public Works) were in attendance. A shorthand reporter was also in attendance to take notes. Mr. Bell addressed the Committee. Mr. T. Humphries, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Nelson, was called, sworn, and examined. Mr. C. Louisson (Christchurch) was called, sworn, and examined. The Committee then adjourned till the following* day at 10.30 a.m.

Saturday, Bth September, 1900. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. J. Allen, Mr. W. Fraser, Mr. Morrison, Mr. Palmer, and the Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon. In the absence of the Chairman, Resolved, on the motion of the Eight Hon. Mr. Seddon, That Mr. W. Fraser do now take the chair. Mr. Fraser then took the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones (Minister for Public Works), Mr. J. H. B. Coates (petitioner), Mr. Norman H. M. Dalston (petitioner), Mr. C. H. Mills, M.H.E. (who presented Che petitions), Dr. Findlay (solicitor for the petitioners), Mr. H. D. Bell (solicitor for the Crown), and Mr. Blow (Under-Secretary for Public Works) were in attendance. A shorthand reporter was also in attendance to take notes. Mr. Eoper, merchant, Christchurch, was called by Mr. Bell, sworn, and examined. Mr. W. Acton-Adams, sheep-farmer, Cheviot, was called by Mr. Bell, sworn, and examined. Mr. Bayfield, land and estate agent, Westport, was called by Mr. Bell, sworn, and examined. The Committee then adjourned till Tuesday, 11th September, at 10.30 a.m.

Tuesday, 11th Septembee, 1900. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. J. Allen, Mr. W. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Guinness, Mr. Morrison, Mr. Palmer, the Bight Hon. Mr. Seddon, and the Hon. Mr. Ward. In the absence of the Chairman, Besolved, on the motion of the Bight Hon. Mr. Seddon, That Mr. W. Fraser do now take the chair.

III