I.—7a

XV

Ayes, 5: Mr. J. Mills, Dr. Newman, Mr. Shera, Mr. Tanner, Hon. Mr. Ward. Noes, 2 : Hon. Sir J. Hall, Mr. Saunders. Motion agreed to. Resolved, on the motion of Dr. Newman, to add the following words to the clause: " The Committee is further of opinion that local taxation presses heavily upon the company, and the Committee desire to direct the attention of the Government to this matter." Final clause as drafted, as to proposals for guarantee. Resolved, on the motion of Dr. Newman, That the first two lines be agreed to—viz.: "The Committee cannot recommend that these should be entertained in their present shape." The Hon. Sir J. Hall moved, To strike out the next two lines—viz. : "To do so would be practically to increase the liability of the colony." Upon the Question being put, a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow:— Ayes, 3: Hon. Sir J. Hall, Mr. Shera, Mr. Tanner. Noes, 4: Mr. J. Mills, Dr. Newman, Mr. Saunders, Hon. Mr. Ward. Words retained. Mr. Tanner moved, To strike out the words from "and to" down to "company," both inclusive. Upon the Question being put, a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow:— Ayes, 4: Hon. Sir J. Hall, Dr. Newman, Mr. Shera, Mr. Tanner. Noes, 3 : Mr. J. Mills, Mr. Saunders, Hon. Mr. Ward. Words struck out. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Saunders, To strike out the remaining words of the clause. Mr. Guinness moved, To insert the words " The Committee recommends that if further proposals are made by the company for any modification or alteration of the contract the Government enter into such negotiations with the view of ascertaining whether modifications can be agreed upon m the interests of the colony." Upon the Question being put, a division was called for, and the names were taken down as follow:— Ayes, 2 : Hon. Sir J. Hall, Mr. Shera. Noes, 5: Mr. J. Mills, Dr. Newman, Mr. Saunders, Mr. Tanner, Hon. Mr. Ward. Motion lost. Resolved, on the motion of the Hon. Sir J. Hall, That the Committee recommend that any proposals which may be the result of negotiations between the Government and the company should be submitted to Parliament at its next session. Resolved, on the motion of Dr. Newman, That the petition and the evidence taken thereon, together with the documents and maps produced before the Committee be attached to the report, and that the same be printed. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Tanner, That the report, as amended, be agreed to, and be presented to the House; and the Chairman do move that it be referred to the Government. Resolved, That the report, as amended, be printed, and that the Committee meet again in the afternoon to revise it. The Committee again met at 4.30 p.m., and a proof of the printed copy of the report was considered and agreed to. Resolved, on the motion of the Hon. Mr. Ward, That the following expenses to witnesses be approved and recommended for payment: Mr. Dalston, £27 10s.; Mr. Young, £22 10s.; Mr. Taylor, £26 10s.; and Mr. Scott, £34. The Committee then adjourned sine die.