H.—6c.

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

The first meeting of the Commissioners took place at the Parliamentary House on Wednesday, the 13th August, 1902, at 2.30 p.m. Commissioners : Sir W. E. Eussell, Messrs. J. A. Millar and B. McNab, M.H.E.s. The secretary and shorthand-writer (Mr. J. W. Collins) was also in attendance. Proposed by Mr. McNab, and seconded by Mr. J. A. Millar, That Sir W. E. Eussell be elected Chairman. The Commission deliberated on the forms of procedure, and decided to insert advertisements in the principal papers in the four centres of the colony requesting persons prepared to give evidence to forward their names and addresses to the Chairman. Telegraphic notices were sent to Colonel Davies, C.8., New Plymouth; Surgeon-Major Pearless, Wakefield; and Captain Lewin, Addington; and a letter to Major-General Babington, Wellington. It was decided that, as the evidence would be reported verbatim, it was not necessary that Press reporters should be present. The Commission adjourned at 4.30 p.m. until next day.

Thursday, 14th August, 1902. The Commissioners met at 4.15 p.m. All the members were present. Draft notice summoning witnesses to attend and give evidence was approved. Several telegrams from troopers offering to give evidence were read. The allowances to be paid to witnesses was then discussed. The Commission adjourned at 4.40 p.m. until next day.

Friday, 15th August, 1902. The Commissioners met at 3.25 p.m. All the members were present. Correspondence was read and discussed. The Commission adjourned at 3.45 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 19th August.

Tuesday, 19th August, 1902. The Commissioners met at 10 a.m. All the members were present. After discussing the order in which witnesses were to be taken, the Commission formally opened at 11 a.m. Major-General Babington was present to watch the case on behalf of the Imperial authorities. The representatives of the Press present were notified of the decision of the Commissioners not to admit them to the proceedings of the inquiry. The following witnesses were examined: Colonel Davies, C.8., Surgeon-Major Pearless, Captain Lewin, Quartermaster-Sergeant Davies, Lance-Corporal Donaughey. The Commission adjourned at. 5.25 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Wednesday, 20th August, 1902. The Commissioners met at 10.30 a.m. All the members were present. Captain Eich, E.N., was present to watch the ease on behalf of the Admiralty. The following witnesses were examined : Quartermaster-Sergeant Clouston, Trooper Debenham, Acting Squadron-Sergeant-Major Herbert Collins, Quartermaster-Sergeant McDonnell, Troopers McGoverin, Dodd, Mellor, and Nicholson. The Commission adjourned at 5.40 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday.

Thursday, 21st August, 1902. The Commissioners met at 10.30 a.m. All the members were present. The following witnesses were examined : Troopers Silbey, Waldie, Muir, QnartermasterSergeant McDonnell (recalled), Trooper Moore, Sergeant Cook, Trooper B. T. Cope, and Squadron-Sergeant-Major Pender. The Commission adjourned at 5.20 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. next day.

Friday, 22nd August, 1902. The Commissioners met at 10.30 a.m. All the members were present. The following witnesses were examined : Captain Heckler, Veterinary Surgeon Captain Young, Trooper Andrews, Sergeant Massey, Troopers McLoughlin, Davies, Craig, and Bradley. Mr. W. T. Browne was allowed to make a statement, as father of a deceased trooper. The Commission adjourned at 5.25 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. next day.

XIV