I.—6a

4

Fbiday, 4th August, 1893. Present: Mr. Shera (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Hon. Sir J. Hall, Dr. Newman, Mr. Saunders, Hon. Sir E. Stout, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Wright. In consequence of Mr. Shera not being present at the commencement of the proceedings Mr. Guinness, on the motion of Hon Sir J. Hall, took the chair. Minutes of the two previous meetings read and confirmed. Mr. Shera at this stage of the proceedings attended and took the chair. The Hon. Mr. Whyte, M.L.C., Mr. Bhodes, M.H.E., and Mr. C. OH. Smith attended the meeting. Mr. Smith handed in a return showing the analysis of Mr. Murray's scrip used in payment of the Ellesmere lands. Mr. Smith read a further statement, which was taken down by the reporter. The Hon. Mr. Whyte made a further statement, which was taken down by the reporter. The Committee then adjourned until Tuesday next at 11 o'clock.

Tuesday, Bth August, 1893. Present: Mr. Shera (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Mr. G. Hutchison, Dr. Newman, Hon. the Premier, Mr. Saunders, Hon. Sir E. Stout, Mr. Tanner, and Mr. Wright. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. The Hons. G. S\ Bichardson and J. B. Whyte, and Mr. C. OH. Smith attended the Committee. Mr. Barron, Under-Secretary, Lands and Survey Department, attended and handed in the official file of papers, and then withdrew. Mr. A. B. G. Ehodes attended, and handed in a written statement, and asked that it be added to his previous evidence. Besolved accordingly. The Hon. G. F. Bichardson made a statement, which was taken down by the reporter. After the witnesses had withdrawn, the Hon. the Premier stated in reference to the resolutions of the Committee of the 2nd August, asking for the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown on certain points, that when the Law Officers have advised the Government on the same question it would be unfair to them to be asked to advise again, and he suggested that the previous resolutions should be withdrawn. Besolved, on the motion of the Hon. Sir E. Stout, That the resolutions referred to be withdrawn. Besolved, on the motion of Mr. Saunders, That a Sub-committee, consisting of the Hon. Sir E. Stout, the Chairman (Mr. Shera), and Mr. Wright, be appointed to draw up a draft report, and submit the same to the meeting on Friday next. Besolved, on the motion of Mr. B. G. Wright, That the evidence and correspondence taken in this case be printed, and also the judgment in the Court of Appeal in the case of Patterson and another v. Humphries.

Thursday, 10th August, 1893. Present: Mr. Shera (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Hon. Sir J. Hall, Mr. G. Hutchison, Dr. Newman, Hon. the Premier, Mr. Saunders, Hon. Sir E. Stout, Mr. Tanner, and Mr. Wright. The minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Order of Eeference of the Bth August read by the Clerk. The Chairman mentioned that at the close of last meeting the Premier had stated that the opinions of the Law Officers and the minutes of the Ministers in connection with the scrip transactions, which had been produced in evidence, were not to be printed with the evidence. After discussion, it was Besolved, on the motion of Mr. Guinness, That the resolution of this Committee ordering the printing of evidence be altered by directing the printing of all the evidence except the opinions of the Law Officers of the Crown and the minutes of the Ministers, and that such opinions and minutes be printed on separate slips for the information only of members of this Committee.

Tuesday, 15th August, 1893. Present: Mr. Shera (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Hon. Sir J. Hall, Mr. G. Hutchison, Hon. the Premier, Mr. Saunders, Hon. Sir E. Stout, and Mr. Wright. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Order of Eeference of the 10th August read by the Clerk. ']: >fi ■{ -i< ■ t< Besolved, on the motion of Dr. Newman, That the draft report be considered as the first business to-morrow.

Friday, 18th August 1893. Present: Mr. Shera (Chairman), Mr. Guinness, Hon. Sir J. Hall, Dr. Newman, Hon. the Premier, Sir E. Stout, Mr. Tanner, Hon. Mr. Ward, Mr. Wright. . .: .., Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. The Chairman produced the following draft report prepared by the Sub-committee.