1.—7

5

The Chairman reported the result of the sub-committee's interview with Mr. Speaker on the question of breach of privilege. On the motion of Mr. Allen it was resolved that consideration of paragraph 1 of the order of reference be postponed until the sub-committee's further report is submitted as to whether a breach of privilege has been committed. On the motion of Mr. Reed it was resolved that the Committee do now inquire into the truth or otherwise of paragraph 1. Mr. Myers appeared on behalf of Mr. Massey, and Mr. Skerrett, K.C., on behalf of Mr. Payne. The following witnesses were examined on oath : Messrs. Massey, Payne, the Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, and Mr. Brown. And then, the question having arisen as to the authorship of the letter to Mr. Massey and the statement, a debate arose. Resolved that the following question proposed by Mr. Reed—viz., " By whom were these statements in Auckland made to him?" —be not put to Mr. Massey. On the motion of Mr. Thomson the Committee then adjourned until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 28th February. Wednesday, 28th 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. Reed it was resolved that this Committee, after hearing the evidence, is satisfied that there is no truth in the alleged charge in paragraph 1 of the order of reference made against the member for Napier, the Right Hon. the Prime Minister, and the member for Grey Lynn. On the motion of Mr. Lee it was resolved that the Committee is of opinion that the use of the words in debate in the House on the 23rd February, 1912, by the member for Franklin —viz., " Then he said something about whether he was supposed to have been squared, and I said, ' What was stated in Auckland at the present moment was this, that he had been squared by Mr. Vigor Brown and Sir Joseph Ward at Napier.' Now, that was the statement that was made quite openly in Auckland. I think Mr. Payne had begun to see the serious position he proposed to take up, and he said, ' Just let me think this over.' " —does not constitute a breach of privilege. On the motion of Mr. Russell it was resolved that the Committee reports that paragraph 2 is dealt with in the report of No. 1 Committee. The Committee then adjourned. 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. Thomson 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. 3. Saturday, 24th February, 1912. The Committee met pursuant to notice at ?2 noon. 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 to summon Mr. Charles McMaster, of Auckland, to attend before the Committee on Tuesday, the 27th February next, at 10.30 a.m., and also any witnesses he (Mr. McMaster) may desire to be called. The Committee then adjourned until 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday next.