I.—lA,

IV

grants since your petitioners executed the deed of June, 1872, have been amongst the principal causes of their disappointment and loss. Tour petitioners therefore humbly pray your honorable House that the case made by your petitioners in this petition may be considered by your honorable House, and that your honorable House may recommend that your petitioners may be compensated for the loss they have sustained in connection with the contract of the 27th June, 1872, or that such other relief be granted to your petitioners as your honorable House may in the circumstances deem just and proper. Alexander Bkooden. Henry Brogden, (By his Attorney, Alexander Brogden.) James Bhogden, (By his Attorney, Alexander Brogden.) Wellington, New Zealand, 20th June, 1881.

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Wednesday, 6th July, 1881. Present': Mr. Allwright, Mr. Kelly (Chairman), Captain Kenny, Mr. Murray, Hon. Mr. Eiehardson, C.M.G., Mr Swanson, Mr. Turnbull. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Petition from Messrs. Brogden, claiming compensation for loss sustained under the immigration contract dated 27th June, 1872, was read. Mr. Travers attended as counsel for the petitioners, and Mr. Bell for the Government. Mr. Travers opened the petitioners' case. The Committee then adjourned, having agreed to resume this case on Friday next, the Bth July, 1881.

Feiday, Bth July, 1881. Present: Mr. Allwright, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Barron, Hon. Mr. Dick, Mr. Kelly (Chairman), Captain Kenny, Mr. Murray, Hon, Mr. Eichardson, C.M.G-., Mr. Swanson, Mr. Turnbull. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Travers and Mr. Bell were present. Mr. A. Brogden, M.P., attended, and was under examination. The Committee adjourned, after agreeing to take this case again on Wednesday next, the 13th July, 1881.

Wednesday, 13tu July, 1881. Present: Mr. Allwright, Mr. Barron, Hon. Mr. Dick, Mr. Kelly (Chairman), Captain Kenny, Mr. Murray, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, C.M.G., Mr. Turnbull. The minutes of the previous meeting were read aad confirmed. Mr. Travers and Mr. Bell were in attendance. Mr. Brogden's examination continued. Mr. Bell asked to be excused attending on Friday The Committee then adjourned, having agreed to resume this case on Friday next, the 15th July, 1881.

Friday, 15th July, 1881. Present: Mr. Allwright, Mr. Barron, Hon. Mr. Dick, Mr. Kelly (Chairman), Captain Kenny, Mr. Murray, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, C.M.G-., Mr. Swanson, Mr. Turnbull. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Brogden's examination completed. The Committee then adjourned, having agreed to take this case on Wednesday next, the 20th July, 18S1.

"Wednesday, 20tii July, 1881. Present: Mr. Allwright, Mr. Barren, Mr. Kelly (Chairman), Captain Kenny, Mr. Murray, Hon. Mr. Richardson, C.M.G., Mr. Swanson, Mr. Turnbull. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Cave and Mr. Bell were present. Mr. J Lawson attended and gave evidence. Mr. J Billing attended and gave evidence. E. Summers, E. Hibberd, and W Thacker (immigrants introduced by Messrs. Brogden) attended and gave evidence. The Committee then adjourned, having agreed to take this case on Wednesday next, the 27th July, 1881.

Wednesday, 27th July, 1881. Present: Mr. Allwright, Mr. Barren, Hon. Mr. Dick, Mr. Kelly (Chairman), Captain Kenny, Mr. Murray, Hon. Mr. liichardson, C.M.G., Mr. Turnbull.