a.—2.

The following witnesses came forward and gave evidence on oath, being examined by Mr. Bell and the Commissioners, the evidence being taken down by the reporter : James Mackay, farmer, Fitzroy ; Henry Corbett, farmer, Wharea ; Joseph Anderson, settler, Stratford. The Commission adjourned till next day at 10.30 a.m. Tuesday, 21st May, 1912. The Commission sat at 10.30 a.m. Present: Dr. McArthur, S.M., and William Kerr, Esq., S.M. Messrs. Bell and Zachariah were also in attendance. . , W. L. Luscombe, farmer, New Plymouth, came forward and gave evidence, being examined by Mr. Bell and members of the Commission. The Commission adjourned till 2.30 p.m. next day, at Hawera. Hawera. Wednesday, 22nd May, 1912. The Commission met at the Courthouse, Hawera, at 2.30 p.m. Present: Dr. McArthur, S.M., and William Kerr, Esq., S.M. Messrs. Welsh, Bell, and Zachariah were also in attendance. The following witnesses were called by Mr. Welsh, and gave evidence on oath, being crossexamined by Mr. Bell and questioned by the Commissioners, the evidence being taken down by the reporter : J. W. Foreman, J.P., farmer, Tikorangi; C. H. Jury, farmer, Tikorangi; T. McKenzie, farmer, Tikorangi; George Petch, farmer, Waihi; F. W. Matthews, farmer, Tikorangi. At 4.30 p.m. the Commission adjourned till next day at 10.30 a.m. Thursday, 23rd May, 1912. The Commission sat at 10.30 a.m. Present: Dr. McArthur, S.M., and William Kerr, Esq., S.M. Messrs. Welsh, Bell, and Zachariah were also in attendance. Mr. Welsh called the following witnesses, who gave evidence on oath, being cross-examined by Mr. Bell and questioned by the Commissioners, the evidence being taken down by the reporter : Mrs. B. A. Mitchell, Manaia ; D. A. Poole, settler, Auroa ; G. A. Mehrtens, farmer, Otakeo ; H. P. Best, recalled. Mr. Welsh intimated that this was all the evidence he proposed to call, and closed his case on behalf of the lessees. At 4 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 a.m. next day. Friday, 24th May, 1912. The Commission sat at 10.30 a.m. Present: Dr. McArthur, S.M., and William Kerr, Esq., S.M. Messrs. Welsh, Bell, and Zachariah were also in attendance. Dr. Fitchett, Public Trustee, was also present. • Mr. Bell addressed the Commissioners at some length, and outlined the case on behalf of the Native owners. Dr. Fitchett made a statement to the Commission on behalf of the Public Trust Department. At 4 p.m. the Commission adjourned till next day at 10.30 a.m. Saturday, 25th May, 1912. The Commission sat at 10.30 a.m. Present: Dr. McArthur, S.M., and William Kerr, Esq., S.M. Messrs. Welsh, Bell, and Zachariah were also in attendance. Mr. Bell called Kahu Pukoro Tamati-o-Raukawa, who gave evidence on oath, being crossexamined by Mr. Welsh, the evidence being taken down by the reporter. The Commission adjourned till Monday, at 11 a.m. Monday, 27th May, 1912. The Commission met at 11 a.m. Present: Dr. McArthur, S.M., and William Kerr, Esq., S.M. Messrs. Welsh, Bell, and Zachariah were also in attendance. Mr. Bell called the following witnesses, who gave evidence on oath, and were cross-examined by Mr. Welsh, the evidence being taken down by the reporter : Kahu Pukoro (continued), Tuapatea Maumateo, Poitutu Warihi Remene, Pouwhareumu Toi, Inia Te Ngongohau, and Neha Kipa. At 4.30 o'clock the Commission adjourned till next day. Tuesday, 28th May, 1912. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Dr. McArthur, S.M., and William Kerr, Esq., S.M. Messrs. Welsh, Bell, and Zachariah were also in attendance. Mr. Bell called the following witnesses, who gave evidence on oath, being cross-examined by Mr. Welsh, the evidence being taken down by the reporter : Himone Neha, Tamaka Awarua,_Rangitaura Kahui, Ranieri Karena, Manuarupe, Pahunga Tumarua, Kiri Apimareke, and Morere Whatitiri. At 4.30 o'clock the Commission adjourned till Thursday at 10.30 a.m.

11