3

1.—15.

Monday, Bth October, 1877. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 o'clock a.m. Present: Mr. Murray in the chair. Hon. Mr. Eeynolds, Mr. Swanson. Mr. Stevens, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Hon. Dr. Pollen, M.L.C., being in attendance, was examined, his evidence being taken down by the reporter present. ■ Resolved, on motion of Mr. Swanson, That all papers, telegrams, and correspondence in possession of the Government Departments relating to purchases, sales, or exchanges of lands in the WaitoaPiako District; also the Assistant Surveyor-General's instructions respecting lands in the WaitoaPiako District, and his report thereon, be laid before this Committee with as little delay as possible. That the Hon. the Colonial Secretary be requested to obtain the information required by the Committee. The Committee then adjourned.

Thursday, 11th October, 1877. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 o'clock a.m. Present: Mr. Murray in the chair. Hon. Mr. Eeynolds, Mr. Wakefield. Mr. Swanson, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Hon. Mr. Whitaker, M.H.R., being in attendance, was examined, his evidence being taken down by the reporter present. The Committee then adjourned until Friday, 12th October, at 10 o'clock.

Friday, 12th October, 1877. The Committee met, pursuant to adjournment, at 10 o'clock a.m. Present : Mr. Murray, Hon. Mr. Eeynolds. There being no quorum present the meeting lapsed.

"Wednesday, 14th November, 1877. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 o'clock a.m. Present: Mr. Murray in the chair. Hon. Mr. Eeynolds, Mr. Swanson. Mr. Stevens, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The orders of reference dated 18th October and 2nd November were read. Letter from Mr. H. T. Clarke to the Chairman was laid upon the table. (See Appendix B.) The Hon. Mr. Whitaker, M.H.E., produced the papers relating to Waitoa land purchases, and stated that Sir F. Dillon Bell, M.L.C., would attend the Committee to make a statement respecting the grants in Piako and Waitoa Districts. The Hon. Sir F. Dillon Bell, M.L.C., being present, was examined, his evidence being taken down by the reporter present. The Committee then adjourned.

■Wednesday, 21st November, 1877. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 o'clock a.m. Present: Mr. Murray in the chair. Hon. Mr. Eeynolds, Mr. Swanson. Mr. Stevens, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Hon. Mr. Whitaker, M.H.R., attended the Committee, and stated that his wish was that the Committee might refer his claim for compensation to the Government for consideration. The Chairman read telegrams which had been received from Mr. W. G. Nicholls and Captain G. Beadon, as follows:— ' Telegram to W. A. Murray, Esq., M.H.E. " Grahamstown, 15/11/77. " Government could have acquired Te Puninga and Piako lands instead of Whitaker and Company if Government agent would have purchased. No knowledge of Maukoro claim. Natives got money. "W. G. Nicholls."