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2

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Tuesdat, 29th November, 1887. The Committee met this day pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Jones, Mr. O'Conor, Mr. Samuel, Major Steward, Mr. Stuart-Menteath, Mr. Whyte. The order of reference appointing this Committee was read. On the motion of Mr. Whyte, Resolved, That Major Steward take the chair. On the motion of Mr. Samuel, Resolved, That Mr. King, Chairman of the New Plymouth Harbour Board, or such other person as the Harbour Board may appoint, be summoned to give evidence before the Committee, and to produce all documents bearing on the financial condition of the New Plymouth Harbour Board. On the motion of Mr. O'Conor, Resolved, That the services of a shorthand reporter be obtained to take down the evidence. The Committee then adjourned.

Wednesdat, 7th Decembee, 1887. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Jones, Mr. Larnach, Mr. O'Conor, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Tanner, and Mr. Whyte. The minutes of the previous meeting were read. An order of reference, dated the 30th November, 1887, was read. A petition, No. 297, Session lE, from W. Carroll and 325 others, ratepayers resident on the Waimate Plains, asking to be relieved from the rate levied upon them to pay interest on the New Plymouth Harbour loan, was also read. The Chairman read a letter from Hon. Major Atkinson, M.H.E., Mr. Samuel, M.H.E., and Mr. Marchant, M.H.E., requesting that certain witnesses be examined before the Committee, and his reply thereto; as also the written consent of the majority of the Committee that the witnesses named should be summoned to appear. On the motion of Mr. O'Conor, Resolved, That a Sub-Committee, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Jones, Mr. Samuel, and Mr. Tanner, be empowered to take evidence; two members to form a quorum. Mr. Samuel, M.H.E., gave evidence before the Committee. Mr. King, Chairman of the New Elymouth Harbour Board, gave evidence before the Committee. The evidence of these two witnesses was taken down. On the motion of the Chairman, Resolved, That the Chairman move the House for leave to print the evidence and report. The Committee then adjourned to Thursday, the Bth December, 1887.

Thuesdat, Bth Decembee, 1887. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Jones, Mr. O'Conor, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Whyte. The following witnesses were examined before the Committee, and their evidence taken down, viz., Mr. Thomas Bayly, of Waitara; Mr. James Cartwright George, of New Plymouth; Mr. Wilson Milne, of Manaia; and Mr. Edward Godsal, of Manaia. The Committee then adjourned to Saturday, the 10th December, 1887.

Mondat, 12th Decembee, 1887. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Jones, Mr. Larnach, Mr. Samuel, Mr. StuartMenteath, Mr. Tanner. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman said that it had been impossible to meet on Saturday owing to the House sitting at 10 a.m. on that day. He had therefore adjourned the meeting of the Committee until to-day. The Hon. Major Atkinson, M.H.E., attended before the Committee and gave evidence. Mr. Marchant, M.H.E., also gave evidence before the Committee. Mr. Samuel, M.H.E., gave further evidence. The Chairman read a draft report which he had drawn up for the consideration of the Committee; and it was resolved that it be printed and circulated amongst the members of the Committee. The Committee then adjourned.

Feidat, 16th Decembee, 1887. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Major Steward (Chairman), Mr. Jones, Mr. Larnach, Mr. O'Conor, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Stuart-Menteath, Mr. Tanner. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Committee considered the draft report. On the motion of the Chairman it was resolved that the report as amended be presented to the House. The Committee then adjourned sine die.