1.—6

IV

Friday, 25th June, 1886. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 11 o'clock forenoon. Present: Mr. Ormond (Chairman), Mr. Levestam, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. M. J. S. Mackenzie, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. W. D. Stewart. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. Hon. Sir Eobert Stout attended, and made a general statement of his opinions as to the working of the institution, and also with respect to the purchases of properties in Wellington and Dunedin. He was afterwards examined upon these questions. The Committee adjourned till 11 o'clock forenoon on Tuesday next.

Tuesday, 29th June, 1886. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 11 o'clock forenoon. Present: Mr. Montgomery (Chairman), Mr. Holmes, Mr. Levestam, Mr. M. J. S. Mackenzie, Mr. W. D. Stewart. On the motion of Mr. Holmes, Mr. Montgomery was appointed Chairman, in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Ormond. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. Mr. D. M. Luckie was further examined. He gave evidence with respect to the various properties purchased for the association, the appointment of agents, and the salaries, commission, &c, paid for their services. The Committee adjourned till 11 o'clock forenoon on Thursday next.

Thursday, Ist July, 1886. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 11 o'clock forenoon. Present: Mr. Montgomery (Chairman), Mr. Gore, Mr. Levestam, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. M. J. S. Mackenzie, Mr. G. F. Eichardson, Mr. W. D. Stewart. Mr. Montgomery acted as Chairman in the absence of Mr. Ormond. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. Mr. D. M. Luckie was further examined, and gave evidence respecting the nature and extent of the business done by the association, and the lapses that have taken place. The Committee adjourned till 11 o'clock forenoon on Friday next.

Friday, 2nd July, 1886. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 11 o'clock forenoon. Present: Mr. Montgomery (Chairman), Mr. Gore, Mr. Levestam, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. M. J. S. Mackenzie, Mr. G. F. Eichardson. Mr. Montgomery acted as Chairman, in the absence of Mr. Ormond. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. Mr. S. W. D. Irvine was examined, and gave evidence with reference to the duties he has to perform as Inspector of Agents for the colony, and the general business and working of the institution. The Committee adjourned till 11 o'clock forenoon on Tuesday next. Tuesday, 6th July, 1886. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 11 o'clock forenoon. Present: Mr. Ormond (Chairman), Mr. Levestam, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. M. J. S. Mackenzie, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. G. F. Eichardson, Mr. W. D. Stewart. Mr. Ormond took the chair. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. Mr. S. W. D. Irvine, Inspector to the Board, was further examined, and, at the close of his evidence, offered some suggestions regarding the future conduct of the business of the association. Mr. J. H. Eichardson, Secretary and Accountant to the Board, was examined, and gave evidence principally in reference to the duties of his twofold office, the appointment of agents and canvassers, the general working of the institution, and the mode in which the business is now carried on under the Board. The Clerk was instructed to summon Mr. H. D. Bell and Mr. G. Fisher, M.H.E., to attend on Thursday next, for the purpose of giving evidence. The Chairman was instructed to ask the House for one week's extension of time for bringing up the report. The Committee adjourned till 11 o'clock forenoon on Thursday next.

Thursday, Bth July, 1886. The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 11 o'clock forenoon. Present: Mr. Ormond (Chairman), Mr. Levestam, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. G. F. Eichardson, Mr. W. D. Stewart. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. Mr. J. H. Eichardson, Secretary and Accountant to the Board, was further examined with reference to certain investments on mortgage, and the rates of interest on which loans are obtain 3d from the association.