XLV

H.—2

The minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Colonel Hume and Mr. Tunbridge were in attendance. Before commencing to take evidence the Chairman (Mr. Wardell) said he wished to make a remark to the reporters—viz., " During the last day or two some things have occurred which make me inclined to doubt the wisdom of admitting the Press to this inquiry. I refer to comments on incomplete evidence, and the publication of remarks not on oath (aside, in fact) which make or suggest charges against individuals. These asides it is impossible for us at all times to stop, as they are uttered before we can interfere —especially as part may be relevant. But the Press should abstain from reporting these, or, having reported them, from accentuating the mischief by paragraphing them and quoting them in leading articles. We hope the reporters will take this hint, and that editors will not forget the responsibilities of their papers, and that reporters should confine themselves to reporting sworn evidence only." Mr. Poynton and Colonel Pitt concurred in the remarks made by the Chairman. Colonel Hume continued his evidence, which was taken down by the reporter. At 5 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Tuesday, 22nd Febbuaby, 1898. The Commission sat at 10.30 a.m. Present: Messrs. Wardell, Poynton, and Colonel Pitt. The minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. Colonel Hume and Mr. Tunbridge were in attendance. Colonel Hume continued his evidence, which was taken down by the reporter. The Chairman informed Colonel Hume that for the present his evidence was concluded, but that he would probably be required to give further evidence at a subsequent date. Captain John Coleman, Permanent Artillery Defence Force, attended, was sworn, and gave evidence, which was taken down by the reporter. Mr. Tunbridge brought before the Commission an official file of papers (Police, 97/1437) relating to the petition of ex-Constable G. Neale, and which the Cabinet desired the Commission to consider, if coming within the scope of the Commission. Besolved, That the Commission is of opinion that, having no power to inquire into any case of dismissal, the petitioner should be informed that if he desires to bring any charge against any officer of police he must formulate it, and forward it to the Secretary before the Ist March, 1898, and it will then be dealt with. At 5.30 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 on Thursday next.

Thursday, 24th Febeuaey, 1898. The Commission sat at 10.30 a.m. Present: Messrs. Wardell, Poynton, and Colonel Pitt. The minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. The Commission was engaged during the day in perusing official records. At 5 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Friday, 25th February, 1898. The Commission sat at 10.30 a.m. Present: Messrs. Wardell, Poynton, and Colonel Pitt. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Tunbridge and Colonel Hume were in attendance. Complaint : —Charles Slight, ex-constable, but at present a licensed victualler, Paikakariki, attended, was sworn, and gave evidence, which was taken down by the reporter. At 1 o'clock p.m. the Commission adjourned till to-morrow at 10.30 a.m.

Saturday, 26th Febeuaey, 1898. The Commission sat at 10.30 a.m. Present : Messrs. Wardell, Poynton, and Colonel Pitt. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Commission was engaged perusing records and correspondence, and at 1 p.m. adjourned until 10.30 a.m. on Monday next. .

Monday, 28th February, 1898. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Messrs. Wardell, Poynton, and Colonel Pitt. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Commission was engaged up to 1 o'clock p.m. perusing official records and correspondence. At 2.30 p.m. the Commission met at the Central Police-station, Lambtoii Quay. The Force was drawn up on parade, and, after being inspected, were addressed by the members of the Commission, and also by Mr. Tunbridge, and wore invited, if they had any complaints to make or suggestions to offer to place same before the Commission, when they would receive full consideration.