1.—7

4

Thursday, 29th February, 1912. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 10.30 a.m. Present: Mr. Hanan (Chairman), Mr. Allen, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Lee, Hon. Mr Millar, Mr. Nosworthy, Mr. Reed, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Russell, Mr. G. M. Thomson, Mr. Veitch. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. On the motion of Mr. Russell it was resolved that the Committee approves of the draft report as submitted, and adopts it. On the motion of Mr. Russell it was resolved that the Chairman be authorized to sign these minutes. On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Millar it was resolved that a hearty vote of thanks be passed to the Chairman (Mr. J. A. Hanan) for the able and impartial manner in which he discharged his duties as Chairman of the Committee. The Committee then adjourned. PRIVILEGE COMMITTEE No. 2. Saturday, 24th February, 1912. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 11.30 a.m. Present : Mr. Allen, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Hanan, Mr. Lee, Hon. Mr. Millar, Mr. Nosworthy, Mr. Reed>, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Russell, Mr. G. M. Thomson. The order of reference setting up the Committee was read by the Clerk. On the motion of Mr. Lee, seconded by the Hon. Mr. Millar, Mr. Hanan was unanimously elected Chairman. Mr. Hanan then took the chair, and returned thanks for his election. On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Millar it was resolved that all witnesses be examined on oath, and that the evidence and proceedings be taken down in shorthand; that the strictest confidence as to the business of the Committee be observed, and that the Press be not admitted during the sittings of the Committee. On the motion of Mr. Fraser it was resolved that further consideration of this question be postponed until Monday next. On the motion of Mr. Russell it was resolved that a sub-committee be appointed, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Reed, to consult authorities on the question of privilege. On the motion of Mr. Allen the Committee then adjourned until 4.30 p.m. on Monday, 26th February. Monday, 26th February, 1912. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 4.30 p.m. Present: Mr. Hanan (Chairman), Mr. Allen, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Lee, Hon. Mr, Millar, Mr. Nosworthy, Mr. Reed, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Russell, Mr. G. M. Thomson, Mr. Veitch. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. On the motion of the Hon. Mr. Millar it was resolved that the resolution in the minutes of the previous meeting with reference to the admission of the Press be rescinded, and that the Press be admitted at future meetings during the taking of evidence. On the motion of Mr. Nosworthy it was resolved that the sub-committee, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Reed, wait upon Mr. Speaker with a view of obtaining his opinion on the subject of the alleged breach of privilege mentioned in the order of reference. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Lee, that the Committee inquire into the question of the truth or otherwise of the alleged charge made against the member for Napier and the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. On the motion of Mr. Russell it was resolved that at the next meeting of the Committee anj evidence offering be taken first, and that the question of privilege be discussed after the evidence has been taken; that the witnesses be notified, and also Messrs. Massey, Payne, and Brown, and the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. On the motion of Mr. Lee it was resolved that any party desiring to be represented by counsel be allowed such representation. The Committee then adjourned until 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 27th February. Tuesday, 27th February, 1912. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 10.30 a.m. Present: Mr. Hanan (Chairman), Mr. Allen, Mr. Fraser, Mr. Lee, Hon. Mr. Millar, Mr. Nosworthy, Mr. Reed, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Russell, Mr. G. M. Thomson, Mr. Veitch. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. On the motion of Mr. Allen it was resolved that the Committee do now consider order of reference No. 2.