hL—6c.

1902. NEW ZEALAND.

CONTINGENTS TRANSPORT COMMISSION (REPORT OP THE), TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS, EVIDENCE, AN*D EXHIBITS.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

COMMISSION.

Ranfukly, Governor. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to Sir William Russell Eussell, of Hastings; Eobert McNab, Esquire, of Gore ; and John Andrew Millar, Esquire, of Dunedin, members of the House of Representatives : Greeting. Whereas it is alleged that the food and the accommodation provided for the members of the New Zealand contingents on board the steamers " Britannic " and "Orient " when returning from South Africa were unsatisfactory and insufficient in many respects : And whereas it is expedient to hold an inquiry respecting the said allegations : Now, therefore, I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Ranfurly, Governor of the Colony of New Zealand, in pursuance of all powers and authorities enabling me in that behalf, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said colony, do hereby appoint you, the said Sir William Russell Russell, Robert McNab, and John Andbew Millak, to be Commissioners for the purpose of inquiring into and reporting upon the aforesaid allegations, and also inquiring into and reporting upon any matters connected with the transport of the said contingents in the said steamers which may come under your notice in the course of your investigation. And you are hereby authorised and empowered to have before you and examine all books, papers, writings, and documents whatsoever which you may deem necessary for your information on the subject-matter of this inquiry. And also to have before you and examine on oath or otherwise, as may be allowed by law, all witnesses and other persons you shall judge to be capable of offering you any information touching or concerning the premises : Provided that, except in the case of members of the New Zealand contingents, nothing herein contained shall be construed to empower you to examine any member of His Majesty's regular forces as to acts done by him in the performance of his military and naval duties. And I further require you within twenty-one days from the date of these presents, or as much sooner as can conveniently be done, using all diligence, to certify to me under your hands and seals your opinion upon the subject-matter of the said inquiry. And I do hereby declare that this Commission shall continue in full force, and that subject to these presents you, the said Sir William Russell Russell, Robert McNab, and John Andrew Millar, shall and may from time to time proceed in the subject-matter hereof at such time and times within the prescribed limits and at such place or places as you shall deem expedient. And I do hereby further declare that this Commission is issued subject to the provisions of " The Commissioners' Powers Act, 1867," and " The Commissioners' Powers Act 1867 Amendment Act, 1872." Given under the hand of His Excellency the Right Honourable Uchter John Mark, Earl of Ranfurly ; Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George ; Governor and Coinmander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies ; and issued under the Seal of the said Colony, at the Government House, at Wellington, this eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and two. J. G. Ward. Approved in Council. J. F. Andrews, [Seal.] Acting-Clerk of the Executive Council. Commission to be extended from twenty-one to thirty-five days. Ranfurly. Commission to be extended for a further period of twenty days. R. 10/9/02.