F—No. 2

PETITION OF FREDERICK AND LEOPOLD YATES.

In the absence of Mr. Fox, Mr. Fitzgerald took the Chair. The minutes of the former meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. C. Davis in attendance was called in, and stated that the first intimation he had of the letters written by the other Petitioners was when Mr. Merriman shewed him copies thereof obtained from the Chairman of the Committee, after his previous examination before the Committee on the sth September last. Mr. F. Yates called in and re-examined. 1. Mr. J. C. Eichmond.~] Did you make any request that the evidence of the Half-cu3te Girl should'be taken?— Perhaps I did not, but I found fault with its not being taken. 2. Mr. Gillies.'] Why did you cross-examine Mr. Brewer and none of the other Witnesses?— Because I objected to the Natives evidence as I considered it worthless. The Witness then withdrew. Mr. L. Yates called in and re-examined. 1. Mr. Fitzgerald] Were you served personally with a summons?— Yes on the 28th June last 2. Did you attend?—l did not. 3. Did you authorise any one to do so for you?— Yes, my Brother. l<or I thought as the summons was made out collectively his attendance would be sufficient, he wrote a protest signed by hiroself, which I considered would have the effect of postponing the case or removing it into the Supreme Court at Auckland. 4. Mr. Gillies.] Do you state positively that the protest asked fora postponement of the case? 5. Mr. Fitzgerald.] What was the protest?—l can only remember one Clause. That we did not wish so serioui a case disposed of in a petty Court, but removed to Auckland. 6. Mr. J. C. Richmond.] What day did you arrive in Auckland?—On the 6th July. The Witness then withdrew. T. 11. Fitzgerald, Acting- Chairman. TUESDAY, THE 2ND DAY OP OCTOBER, 1860. Committee met pursuant to notice. Present:—Mr. Gillies, Mr. J. C. Richmond, Mr. Fitzgerald, and Mr. *ox. Mr. Fox in the Chair. The Chairman read a Draft Report. 4jl lt n Resolved—That the Report as read be adopted, and ordered to be presented to the House. The Committee then adjourned sine die William. Jfox, Chairman.

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