I.—2a,

52

Mr. Worgan

call for Paora's signature ?—I will not say; because, if I had business with two different people, I should have been very chary of letting one know the other's business. Acting, as I was, in Sutton's behalf, representing an opposing interest, I was not at all likely to speak to Davie of what I was about to do. 1550. Can you explain how you at first came to have anything to do with Davie's obtaining a power of attorney and will ? —I was brought into contact with Davie through monetary claims of Paora Nonoi and Ihaka Kapo. There were accounts in which Kinross and Davie were interested, and there was great trouble in getting them settled. I think they made some sort of arrangement with me ; but what it was I cannot now call to mind. Davie was to get some sort of assistance from me when payments were made to the Natives. 1551. Prom Mr. Kinross ? —Prom myself also. I think, out of the Mangaroa and Pekapeka and another of the properties there, that Davie received over £1,400 in payment of accounts. 1552. Supposing you drove out, would you pass Davie's house?— Yes; I could not avoid it. It was on the roadside. In driving out it would be impossible to help passing it. 1553. But you do not remember driving there at that time? —I really cannot say. I have made all the effort I can to recollect. 1554. How were you paid, Mr. Worgan? Were you paid a percentage, or so much a signature, or certain fees by the day ? —That was generally a matter of arrangement with my clients. I think the way in which I did business with Mr. Sutton was 10 per cent, commission on the transaction. 1555. Ten per cent, on moneys he paid ? —Yes. 1556. Do you know what the consideration was for the Awa-o-te-Atua Block ?—Of course I did, but I cannot recollect it now. I have a note of it somewhere, no doubt. 1557. Did you see any money paid to the Natives ? —There was a lot of money paid to the Natives at odd times in connection with this block. 1555. Did you know when Mr. Sutton was in treaty with Mr. Coleman for the sale of the block ? —No ; I knew nothing about Mr. Sutton's private business. 1559. Were you ever present at any conversation between Mr. Sutton and Mr. Pountain about it?—l have heard Mr. Coleman and Mr. Sutton talk about the matter, but I do not remember any talk with Mr. Pountain. 1560. Do jou know when they finally arranged about the price for the block and so on?—No ; that I do not. 1561. Sir G. Grey.] Was your private house and office in the same building?— No. 1562. Then, did you keep your diary at your office ?—Yes. I never took home any business books with me. 1563. Did you write your diary up every day ? —Yes. The fact is, I had so much to do that I should have been astray entirely if I had not done so. It was useless to trust my memory where I had such a multitude of things to think of. 1564. You say that you saw Davie on the 30th, I think ? —Yes. 1565. Was that on business connected with Paora Nonoi ?—The diary does not say anything here to show that it was. 1566. Do you remember any conversation with him about the Awa-o-te-Atua Block ?—No. Of course I have heard him talk about the matter, but I should not be able to tell you any particular conversation. I have stayed several nights at his place on the road, and have had several discussions with him as to what was going on, and I frequently gave him a good deal of assistance. 1567. Does he appear to bo a client of yours from your entry ? —He was in a measure. He was anxious to get land at the Baukawa Bush. So far as I was concerned he was a client of mine. 1568. How did you generally travel ?—As a rule I rode, but occasionally drove. 1569. On what day did you lend your horse to Davie?—On the 30th August.

28st Nov., 1879.

Tuesday, 2nd December, 1879. The Hon. J. N. Wilson, M.L.C., appeared and gave evidence. 1570. The Chairman.] Mr. Wilson, I presume you are aware that a person named George Davie has sent a petition to Parliament relative to certain land transactions in Hawke's Bay ?—Yes, 1 have heard of it. 1571. Can you give the Committee any information respecting the subject-matter of that petition ? Would you like to make a statement ? —I do not know that I can ; I have had very little to do with any of these transactions. 1572. Would you like to see the petition ?—I do not know lam sure whether it would be necessary for me to sec the petition. lam quite ready to give the Committee any information I can. I should say that all that I have had to do in the matter was strictly in my professional capacity on two occasions of the transfer of the property; that is all. I should very respectfully submit to this Committee that nothing confidential or privileged can be asked of me, acting as I did for the purchasers on these occasions. 1573. Then is the Committee to understand that you decline to make a statement ? —No, I do not decline in the least. I will answer any questions that are asked me ; but Ido not volunteer a statement in any way, except to give any information that may be properly asked of me. 1574. Sir G. Grey.] Did you arrange for the conveyance of the property from Mr. Sutton to Mr. Coleman ? —I should say that I had nothing to do with it. I have no recollection of it at all. I have nothing in the way of papers to refer to here. Speaking from memory, I should say I had nothing to do with the transfer. 1575. Did you arrange for the conveyance from Mr. Coleman to Mr. Watt ? —That I undoubtedly did. 1576. Did Mr. Coleman warn you that there was a reserve of 350 acres to be made in the property for Paora Nonoi?—Do you mean by that the reserve referred to in this petition? If so, 1 say

Mr. Wilson.

2id Dec., 1879,