1.—2 c,

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Ren. S. Williams , 14th Nov., 1877

, assist in removing some of the hay in connection with the thrashing machine ; but, for that they were paid. During the past five years the boys have done no outside work except to take it in turns to . p re p are fi re wood after it is delivered on the premises, and do a little work in their own gardens. I nave provided an English man and his wife to do the heaviest of the work about the school buildings, and the boys merely assist them when directed to do so. 120. Mr. Swanson.] You tendered certain advice to the trustees as to cutting up tho land, and you have told us, I think, that the reason you gave that advice was that you expected there would be a railway station close to the property, but that the railway station had not been there erected?— Yes, it was promised by the Government, 1 do not know by which particular department, that the railway station should be close to the estate; but it was not placed there. 121. As a matter of fact, is there not a railway station on one side or another of the estate ? — There are two stations, each removed three miles from each end of the estate. 122. There is a good road running through it?—Along the edge of the largest block. 123. Is there a good supply of water ?—Large portions of the property are without water, but on the whole, it is fairly watered. 124. Was not a subscription raised by the settlers to give five hundred sheep to the estate ?— No, that is a mistake. I see Colonel Whitmore labored under a misapprehension in that respect when giving evidence. There was a smaller number of sheep given to the church endowment, but that was quite distinct from the school. 125. Have not the Government given some sheep ?—Yes. I have referred to that. The sums received from the Government I find to be these:—In 1854-5 I received £690; in 1850, £300 ; iv 1857, £300; 1858, £332; 1859, £250; in 1860, for 1859, £96; in all, £2,168. From the Bishop I have received £500. That was towards the building fund. Then I have received £500 from the Government, with which to purchase sheep. I bought 250 ewes. 126. And what became of the balance of all that ?—I kept a certain number of scholars during five years. In 1850, I kept 12 scholars for three months ; 1855, 10 scholars the whole year; 1856, 15 scholars the whole year ; 1857, 13 scholars for the whole year; 1858, 8 scholars for the whole year ; 1859, four scholars for six months, when the school closed. At the end of 1861, there were certain buildings on the place, and 250 acres of land fenced and under grass. The estate then owed me £1,035. That brings the statement up to the time of the evidence being taken by the Royal Commission in 1869. 127. How are the accounts kept ?—I kept the accounts, and furnished them with vouchers to the trustees. I think I said yesterday they were audited for some time by Air. Henry Russell, at the request of the General Government. Subsequently they were audited by Air. Stokes ; and during the last three years they have been audited by Mr. Fielder, Commissioner of Stamps, at Napier. 12S. Hon. Mr. Shrimski.] This property was given in trust for the education of Native children ? —Yes. Partly for Native and partly for European children. 129. How long since?— The land was first pointed out to me in 1853. 130. It was subsequently leased to you ?—Yes; in 1869. 131. At an annual rental of what?—£500 a year. 132. The money being devoted to what purpose ?—To the maintenance of the school. 133. How much has the Government contributed ?—£2oo a year for the last two years. 134. And there have been funds from the Church ?—-No Church funds. The Church Missionary Society have paid the schoolmaster's salary to the extent of £150 a year. 135. What is the average attendance at the school?— About thirty-four I should think. The returns have been regularly sent in to the Government every quarter, which show the exact number. 136. Have you ever made out an estimate of the total cost of each pupil ?—I have made a rough estimate that a child can be kept for £15 per annum exclusive of education and clothing, and, I think, servants. The £15 would be for board, house linen, and so on ; but I speak roughly. 137. Are you still supervisor of the school ?—I am under the trustees. 138. And have the children been so beneficially instructed by you, as to justify the expenditure ? —I would like the committee to get the reports of the Inspectors on that poiut. The reports have certainly been highly flattering. 139. Your lease expires in February next ?—Yes. 140. Do you think the present rent is a sufficient rent ?—Certainly not, in the present condition of the estate 141. What do you think it is worth ?—I have avoided giving an opinion on that point. 142. You appear to have been very disinterested in the matter ?—My object has been to provide an educational property for the district. 143. If you are so disinterested, surely you might guide the committee in forming an estimate of the value of the property ?—I would rather not express an opinion. 144. Would you be inclined to go in for the renewal of the lease?—l was asked by one of the trustees, in his individual capacity, if I would make an offer for it; but I declined to do so. 145. May I ask if this property were re-leased to you, what would you feel inclined to give ? If it was offered to me at a price perhaps I would take it into consideration. 146. Have you any claim against the estate ?—No. I have foregone any claim I might have. I might have made a considerable claim against the estate, but I have r o wish to do so. 147. You advanced various sums of money: How were they repaid you?— From the proceeds of the estate. 148. Did you deduct therefrom what was due by you, or did you pay in, and was it then re-paid to you ?—I kept the accounts myself, and I re-paid myself from the income of the estate. I then sent in the accounts, accompanied by vouchers. The estate has always been indebted to me, and even now there is a small balance due to me.