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No. 6. Mr. Steatpoed, R.M., to the Undee-Seceetaey of Justice. (Telegram.) Greymouth, 23rd August, 1881. The Kumara Courts are still held at 8 p.m., when parties desire it. lam not aware if Mr. Mackay commenced his Court at that hour The Under-Secretary of Justice, Wellington. H. A. Steatpoed, R.M.

No. 7 The Undee-Seceetaey of Justice to the Clebic, Resident Magistrate's Court, Kumara. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th August, 1881. As it is alleged that Mr. Mackay held Courts at Kumara at night, as .Mr Stratford does at present, it is desired to be known whether such Courts commenced at 8 o'clock. The Clerk, Resident Magistrate's Court, Kumara. R. G. Fountain

No. 8. The Cleee, Resident Magistrate's Court, Kumara, to the Under-Seceetaey of Justice. (Telegram.) Kumara, 24th August, 1881. Me. Mackay never commenced his Courts later than 3 o'clock in the afternoon, but he frequently sat from that time to as late as 12 o'clock midnight, and on one occasion up to half-past 2 a.m. W A. Baeton, The Under-Secretary of Justice, Wellington. Clerk of Court.

No. 9. The Undeb-Secbetaey of Justice to Mr. Stbatpobd, R.M. (Telegram.) Wellington, 25th August, 1881. Re your letter 15th August: Kumara Courts must be held during the day If necessity arises they may be carried on, but must be begun in the day-time and not at night as hitherto. As to other question of evidence of young girls taken throughout the night, the matter will receive further consideration. The Resident Magistrate, Greymouth. R. G. Fountain

Authority : Geobge Didsbtoy, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBl.