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L—7

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Thuesday, 13th July, 1882

The Joint Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Pulton, Sir J. Hall, Hon. Mr. W. W. Johnston, Mr. Macandrew, Hon. Mr. McLean, Hon. Mr. Miller, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Oliver, Hon. Dr. Pollen, Hon. Mr. Stevens (Chairman). On the motion of Hon. Mr. Miller, Resolved, That Mr. Brogden's representative be informed that the Committee is prepared to receive any statement he may desire to make, by counsel or otherwise, on Monday, the 17th July, at 10.30 a.m., and that notice of the same be sent to the Minister for Public "Works.

On the motion of Sir J. Hall, Resolved, That the Government be requested to furnish by Monday, the 17th July, a. precis of the history of the case for the information of the Committee. The Committee then adjourned until Monday, the 17th instant, at 10.30 a.m.

Monday, 17th July, 1882. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Fulton, Sir J. Hall, Hon. Mr. W. W. Johnston, Mr. Macandrew, Hon. Mr. McLean, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Miller, Hon. Mr. Oliver, Hon. Dr. Pollen, Hon. Mr. Stevens (Chairman). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Cave, on behalf of Messrs. Brogden, appeared and addressed the Committee. Mr. Bell, on behalf of the Government, and Mr. Lawson, who stated that he was the principal representative of, and a holder of a power of attorney from, Messrs. Brogden and Son, were also present. At 12.30, Mr. Cave having still some lengthy remarks to make, the Committee adjourned until Tuesday, the 18th instant, at 11.30 a.m.

Tuesday, 18th July, 1882. The Joint Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Fulton, Sir J. Hall, Hon. Mr. W. W. Johnston, Mr. Macandrew, Hon. Mr. McLean, Hon. Mr. Miller, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Oliver, Hon. Dr. Pollen, Hon. Mr. Stevens (Chairman). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Cave continued and concluded his address on behalf of the Messrs. Brogden. Mr. H. Bell, and with him Mr. F. Johnston, were present on behalf of the Government. Mr. Lawson and Mr. Williams were also present. At 1 p.m. the Committee adjourned until Wednesday next, the 18th instant, at 10.30 a.m.

Wednesday, 19th July, 1882. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Fulton, Sir J. Hal], Hon. Mr. W. W. Johnston, Mr. Macandrew, Hon. Mr. McLean, Hon. Mr. Miller, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Oliver, Hon. Dr. Pollen, Hon. Mr. Stevens, (Chairman). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. .Bell and Mr. F. Johnston were present on behalf of the Government, and Mr. Cave on behalf of Messrs. Brogden and Sons. Mr. Lawson and Mr. Williams were also present, Mr. Bell addressed the Committee on behalf of tho Government. In the course of Mr. Bell's address Mr. Cave observed that, if the question of prices paid for work executed for the Government were dealt with, he might probably have to call evidence on that subject. All strangers having withdrawn, the Committee deliberated on the point whether or not the question came within the scope of the inquiry. Moved by Mr. Montgomery, and seconded by Hon. Mr. McLean, That the counsel for the Crown be allowed to address the Committee in support of his allegation that exceptionally favourable treatment has been extended to Messrs. Brogden and Co. The Committee divided : — Ayes, 6.—Sir J. Hall, Hon. Mr. McLean, Hon. Mr. Miller, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Oliver, Hon. Dr. Pollen. Noes, 2.—Mr. Fulton, Mr. Macandrew. So it passed in the affirmative. The Committee then adjourned until Friday next, the 21st instant, at 11 a.m.

Feiday, 21st July, 1882. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Fulton, Sir J. Hall, Hon Mr. W. W. Johnston, Mr. Macandrew, Hon. Mr. Miller, Mr. Montgomery, Hon. Mr. Oliver, Hon. Dr. Pollen, Hon. Mr. Stevens (Chairman). The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.