J.—s

2

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Monday, 3ed July, 1876. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 12 noon. Peesent: Mr. Bastings, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Eeid, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Tole, Mr. Lumsden, Mr. "Williams, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. W. "Wood. The order of reference was read. Resolved, on motion of Mr. Macandrew, That Mr. Curtis be appointed Chairman. Notice of Motion. Mr. Tole to move, That, until the allegations of the petitions may be fully determined, Karaitiana Takamoana take his seat in the House of Eepresentatives as a member thereof. Resolved, on motion of Mr. Macandrew, That this Committee do adjourn till to-morrow at 11 a.m. The Committee then adjourned.

Tuesday, 4th July, 1876. The Committee met according to arrangement at 11 a.m. Peesent: Mr. Curtis in the chair. Mr. Bastings, Mr. Eeid, Mr. Hunter, Hon. Mr. Stafford, Mr. Lumsden, Mr. Tole, Hon. Sir D. McLean, Mr. "Williams, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. "W. "Wood. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The writ, special return, and the petitions of Meiha Bopata, Wahawaha, and Henare Potae were read. Mr. Tole moved, That, until the allegations of these petitions be finally determined, Karaitiana Takamoana take his seat in the House of Eepresentatives as a member thereof. The motion was negatived. Resolved, on motion of the Hon. Sir D. McLean, That this Committee is of opinion that, as no member has been returned for the Eastern Maori Electoral District, a fresh writ should be issued immediately, and an election held without delay. Resolved, on motion of Mr. Montgomery, That the Eeturning Officer and the Deputy Beturning Officers at "Waiapu and Kawakawa be summoned to give evidence before this Committee. That the Eeturning Officer, and each such Deputy Eeturning Officer, be required to bring with him all instructions which he may have given or received, and all correspondence which may have taken place, respecting the election. That the above-mentioned witnesses be required to be in attendance this day fortnight (July 18th). Resolved, on motion of Mr. Montgomery, That the Chairman make an interim report this day to the House, and apply to the House for further time to make a final report. The Committee then adjourned.

Thubsdat, 6th July, 1876. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 11 a.m. PeeSENT: Mr. Hunter, Mr. Eeid, Mr. Lumsden, Hon. Mr. Stafford, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Tole, Hon. Sir D. McLean, Mr. "Williams, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. "W. Wood. Resolved, on motion of the Hon. Sir D. McLean, That Mr. Montgomery be appointed Chairman for this meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The following interim report to the House of the Committee was read:— The Select Committee appointed to inquire and report as to the whole circumstances connected with the late election of a meinher for the Eastern Maori Electoral District, have the honor to report that they have agreed to the following resolutions: — 1. That this Committee is of opinion that, as no member has been returned for the Eastern Maori Electoral District, a fresh writ should be immediately issued, and an election held without delay. 2. That the Chairman make an interim report this day, and apply to the House for further time to make a final report. Dated July 4th, 1876. , The order of reference of the House of Eepresentatives, dated July 4th, was read as follows: —