L—9. :

The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman read a letter from Mr. Vaile asking leave to be present at the examination of witnesses, and for the right of cross-examination. Hon. Major Atkinson moved, and Mr. O'Conor seconded, That Messrs. Vaile and Mr. Maxwell be present at the examination of all witnesses, and that each shall be afforded an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, with the consent of the Chairman.—Carried. Mr. Vaile was examined at some length as regards the details of his system. Mr. O'Conor proposed that the Chairman should consult with the Chairmen of other Select Committees, in order to arrange a suitable time for future meetings.—Agreed to. The Committee then adjourned.

Wednesday, 16th June, 1886. The Committee sat at 10 o'clock. Present: Mr. Mitchelson (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Gore, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. O'Conor, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, Mr. Walker, Mr. Whyte. Mr. Vaile was further examined as to the details of his railway system. The Committee adjourned until 10 o'clock next day.

Thursday, 17th June, 1886. The Committee sat at 10 o'clock. Present: Mr. Mitchelson (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Gore, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. O'Conor, Mr. Ormond, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Whyte. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. An order of the House of Eepresentatives, referring the petition of John Muir and others to the Committee, was read. Mr. Vaile was further examined. The Committee adjourned until 10 o'clock next day.

Friday, 18th June, 1886. The Committee sat at 10 o'clock. Present: Mr. Mitchelson (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Gore, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. O'Conor, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Whyte. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Vaile was cross-examined by Mr. Maxwell. The Committee adjourned until 10 o'clock on Monday, the 21st June.

Monday, 21st June, 1886. The Committee sat at 10 o'clock. Present: Mr. Mitchelson (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Gore, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. O'Conor, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, Mr. Walker, Mr. Whyte, The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Three petitions to the same effect as those already sent in were received from the Petitions Classification Committee and taken as read. After some further qnestions to Mr. Vaile, Mr. Maxwell read a statement commenting on the proposed system. Moved by Mr. O'Conor, That this Committee dispose of Mr. Vaile's proposals before entertaining any other subject in connection with railway management. Seconded by Hon. Major Atkinson.—Carried. It was agreed to summon Messrs. Grant and Hudson to give evidence before the Committee on Tuesday. The Committee adjourned until 10 o'clock next day.

Tuesday, 22nd June, 1886. The Committee sat at 10 o'clock. Present: Mr. Mitchelson (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Gore, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. O'Conor, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, Mr. Walker, Mr. Whyte. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Maxwell obtained leave to make some additions to his statement. Mr. Grant, District Traffic Manager, New Zealand Eailways, Dunedin, was examined. The Committee adjourned until 10 o'clock next day.

Wednesday, 23ed June, 1886. The Committee sat at 10 o'clock. Present: Mr. Mitchelson (Chairman), Hon. Major Atkinson, Mr. Gore, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Ma.candrew, Mr. O'Conor, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, Mr. Walker, Mr. Whyte. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Grant's examination was concluded. Mr. Hudson, District Traffic Manager at Auckland, was examined. The Committee adjourned until 10 o'clock next day.

III