I.—sa

2

Mr. J. Maitland, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Otago, was then examined, and his evidence taken down. A letter to the Committee from Major Steward, M.H.E., giving the names of witnesses whom he suggested should be examined on the subject of dummyism was read. Resolved, That the consideration of the letter should be adjourned till after the Committee had heard the evidence of the Commissioner of Crown Lands for Canterbury. On motion of Mr. McKenzie, Besolved, That the evidence of Sir Bobert Stout should be taken at the next meeting of the Committee. The Committee then adjourned.

Friday, 11th July, 1890. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Cowan, Mr. Kerr, Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Ormond, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, Mr. Smith, Mr. Thompson. Mr. Thompson was voted to the chair. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. The Committee continued their inquiry respecting dummyism. Mr. Baker, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Canterbury, was present, and gave evidence, which was taken down. Major Steward, M.H.E., and Mr. W. P. Eeeves, M.H.E., attended, and examined the witnesses. On motion of Mr. Smith, Besolved, That a report be obtained from the Commissioner of Crown Lands for Hawke's Bay, giving particulars as to a section at Woodville, which section at the ballot was drawn by Mr. Sowry, and afterwards forfeited by that gentleman. On motion of Mr. McKenzie, Besolved, That all papers in the Crown Lands Office in connection with the Waitahuna West (Bun 106) dummy cases be laid before the Committee. The Committee then adjourned.

Thuesday, 17th July, 1890. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Fulton (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Kerr, Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Ormond, Mr. Ehodes, Hon. Mr. Bichardson, Mr. Smith, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Whyte. Mr. Fulton, Chairman of the Committee, took the chair. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. The Committee continued their inquiry into dummyism. A reply from the Under-Secretary, Crown Lands Department, to the resolutions carried by the Committee on the 11th instant was read. On motion of Mr. McKenzie, Besolved, That the Chairman inspect the papers in connection with Bun 106, Otago, and report to the Committee if it is necessary to have the papers before the Committee. On motion of Mr. Smith, Besolved, That the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington, be summoned to give evidence before the Committee on the subject of dummyism. On motion of Mr. Smith, Besolved, That a report be obtained from the Commissioner of Crown Lands for Hawke's Bay on the case of Section 1, Block XIV., Woodville, drawn by Mr. J. Sowry. Eeport to show number of persons who applied for this section, number of persons who were stated to be ineligible, and the Board's decision and remarks on the matter; also all other particulars as to whether this was not a case of dummyism on a large scale. Copies of reports from the several Commissioners of Crown Lands for the colony on the subject of dummyism were read. A letter from Mr. A. C. Fooks, New Plymouth, on the subject of dummyism, was also read. On motion of the Chairman, Besolved, That the evidence taken at the inquiry should be printed. On motion of Mr. McKenzie, Besolved, That the reports from the Commissioners of Crown Lands for the colony should also be printed. On motion of Mr. McKenzie, Resolved, That the Committee apply for the names of the original purchasers of sections in Blocks VII., XL, and XV., Benger Survey District, the date of sale, and the names of the persons to whom any sections in such blocks have since been transferred, and when such transfers were granted. The Committee then adjourned.

Tuesday, 22nd July, 1890. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Fulton (Chairman), Mr. Cowan, Mr. Kerr, Mr. McKenzie, Mr. Ehodes, Hon. Mr. Bichardson, Mr. Saunders, Mr. Smith, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Whyte. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. The Chairman inforired the Committee that, in accordance with the resolution adopted by them on the 17th July last, he had inspected the papers in connection with Bun 106, Otago, and that he (Mr. Fulton) considered them of a confidential nature, and such as should not be made public. The Committee then adjourned.