I.—2a

32

Mr. J. Sheehan, M.U.B. Aug. 9, 1880.

£100 was for, nor the other £200? —I know Adam Clark had to be paid for the survey, and that Jones had to be paid. I know that the survey was paid, and Jones was paid ; but I cannot tax my memory as to the exact amounts and the exact times. 898. In all these transactions you kept no account?— The thing was settled there and then by cash or cheque. It is not customary to keep these accounts with Natives. I looked upon the trust as practically at an end when the money was paid into the bank. 899. To-day, I think, you said you did not pay Jones money ? —I am not quite sure. 900. But in 1877 you said you did not pay Jones ?—Whether I gave it to him or to the Land Purchase Agent Ido not know. Stannus Jones paid certain moneys on account of the bush lease. If you desire to ascertain who paid (hat, the information can be got at once by telegraphing to Dignan and Armstrong. When the Government agreed to purchase, the Natives agreed to hand back to Mr. Stannus Jones the amount they received from him, and deductions were made from the amount. 901. But we have come to £300 to be accounted for out of £400. This £300 will have to be accounted for in some way. What was the amount paid for the survey, and the amount to Jones? —I cannot say from memory. The petitioners ought to have brought that information here. 902. But they have been questioned upon this, and they give amounts? —-They say they do not remember. 903. In Clark's evidence he says distinctly he got £25 from Nelson, and afterwards got £50; and then £25 was paid to Te Hemara. And he says that cleared the survey only. That would leave nothing to be paid for the survey afterwards ? —I do not admit Adam Clark's evidence at all. 901. You had an opportunity of asking him questions?— But he adhered to this part of the evidence. 905. Then you say that that £100 was not paid for the survey ?—I believe it is not true. I believe £100 was paid to Adam Clark to spend upon himself. 906. You knew of that £100 having been paid ? —I saw all that took place in the matter. 907. You knew that the amount to be paid for Wi Apo was £400 ? —lt might be £400 or £450. I know the outcome of the transaction was £300, which was given to Adam Clark to be deposited in the bank. 908. But you say £100 was given to him for some specific purpose ? —The amount was so much less by the amount paid to him. 909. Do you mean to say that you knew nothing of the purpose for which the £100 was paid to Adam Clark ?—I do not mean to say anything of the kind. I say I cannot remember what the-purpose was. 910. This £100 was legitimately given to Adam Clark ? —Yes. 911. He says it was for the survey :do you say it was not for the survey ?—I do not think it was. 912. What could it have been for ? —lt might have been incurred for expenses which it recouped. 913. Then you really cannot reconcile the figures that were given in 1877 with those that are stated now ?—I do not know. There may be some slight discrepancy between them. 914. You have no accounts to show what this £100 was paid to Adam Clark for ? —No. 915. Nor the other £200 ?—No. The moneys were paid to him in my presence, except the £25 ; but, having moneys coming to him, I should assume that whatever accounts there were would be in his hands. 916. Then, in regard to the £20, j'ou still say that you did not draw that from Mr. Gittos, and did not pay it to him ? —I did not say that. I said I had no recollection of the matter at all; but, from the fact that the cheque bears my signature and indorsement, I presume that the cheque did pass through my hands. 917. Then was this money paid to Jones through your hands or not ?—I cannot say. 918. Nor do you know the amount even ?—lt would be about £50, I should think.

Monday, 16th August, 1880. Mr. Oiiaeles Edwin Nelson examined. Mr. Nelson said : Sir, I have conscientious scruples against taking an oath. I ask to be permitted to affirm. The Chairman: You solemnly declare that the evidence which you will give to this Committee shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Mr. Nelson : I solemnly and sincerely declare that the evidence I shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. [Question of power of Committee to take evidence on affirmation here raised. After discussion, resolved, on motion of Sir "William Fox, to act in conformity with practice in similar cases in Courts of law.] The Chairman : I shall ask you, Mr. Nelson, to reaffirm what you have said. Mr. Nelson : I solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that all the evidence which I am about to give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 919. The Chairman.] Do you remember, Mr. Nelson, about the disposal of the Pakiri Block ? Do you remember in regard to the purchase-money—[Question interrupted by Mr. Sheehan, who asked to have petition, or portion of it relative to purchase-money, read to witness. The Chairman ruled this not to be necessary]. Do you remember anything connected with the purchase—and the final settlement of the parties —of the Pakiri Block ?—1 do. In fact, I negotiated the purchase of that block for Mr. Brissenden. 920. Do you remember the time when certain money was paid on account of it by the Government ? —I remember all about the money that was" paid upon it. 921. As you remember these things, will you, in as concise a way as possible, tell the Committee all you know about the payment and disposal of the money? —Yes. I should wish that you would allow me to refer to my memoranda taken at the time.

Mr. C. E. Nelson. Aug. 16, 1880.