1.—6.

Feiday, 26th Septembee, 1884. Present: Hon. Mr. Richardson (Chairman), Mr. Fergus, Mr. Gore, Mr. Larnach, Mr. Mont gomery, Mr. W. White. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Humphries, Chief Surveyor, Taranaki, attended and gave evidence, was thanked, and withdrew. Besolved, on the motion of Mr. Montgomery, That the Chairman ask leave for extension of time of one week to bring up the report. The Committee adjourned to 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday, the 30th September.

Tuesday, 30th Septembee, 1884. Present: Hon. Mr. Richardson (Chairman), Mr. Fergus, Mr. Larnach, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. W. White. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Hursthouse, Surveyor, attended and gave evidence, was thanked, and withdrew. Mr. Hicks, butcher, attended and gave evidence, was thanked, and withdrew. Mr. Scott, Surveyor, attended and gave evidence, was thanked, and withdrew. Mr. Donkin attended, and requested that he might give some further information. Mr. Humphries attended again, and desired to make some alteration in his previous evidence. Mr. Sicely attended, and wished to put in additional written evidence, which was returned. The Committee then adjourned to 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Wednesday, Ist October, 1884. Present: Hon. Mr. Richardson (Chairman), Mr. Larnach, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. W. White. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. A. Koch, Public Works Department, attended and gave evidence, was thanked, and withdrew. Mr. Knorpp, Public Works Department, attended and gave further evidence, was thanked, and withdrew; and was requested to return to-morrow to give evidence regarding certain estimates. The Committee then adjourned to 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Thuesday, 2nd October, 1884. Present: Hon. Mr. Richardson (Chairman), Mr. Fergus, Mr. Gore, Mr. Larnach, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. W. White. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Holmes attended and gave further information regarding certain estimates, was thanked, and withdrew. Mr. Rochfort attended and gave further evidence in connection with certain estimates, was thanked, and withdrew. The Committee then adjourned to 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Fkiday, 3ed Octobee, 1884. Present: Hon. Mr. Richardson (Chairman), Mr. Larnach, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. W. White. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Gill appeared and gave further evidence, was thanked, and withdrew. Mr. Wilkinson attended and gave evidence, was thanked, and withdrew. Resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, That one week more be asked for to report. The Committee then adjourned to 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday, the 7th October.

Wednesday, Bth Octobee, -1884. Present: Hon. Mr. Richardson (Chairman), Mr. Fergus, Mr. Fulton, Mr. Gore. Mr. Larnach, Mr. Montgomery, and Mr. W. White. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Petition No. 202, Session 11., of Moore Hunter and others was considered. Petition No. 150, Sess. 11., of John Elliot and others was considered. The Committee then adjourned to 11 a.m. to-morrow.

Thuesday, 9th Octobee, 1884. Present: Hon. Mr. Richardson (Chairman), Mr. Fergus, Mr. Fulton, Mr. Gore, Mr. Larnach, M v. Montgomery, and Mr. W. "White. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Moved by Mr. Fulton, That, in the opinion of this Committee, the best route for the North Island Trunk Eailway is that from Marton via Murimotu to Te Awamutu. Mr. Montgomery moved, as an amendment, That the Stratford route is the best. The Committee divided, with the following result: — — For the amendment: Mr. Montgomery. For the motion : Mr. Fergus, Mr. Fulton, Mr. Gore, Mr. Larnach, Hon. Mr. Richardson, and Mr. W. White. The Chairman was directed to report the above to the House.

VIII