H.—2

XLIV

Wednesday, sth June, 1901. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present : Mr. McKenzie (Chairman), Mr. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. McKerrow. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Bell (counsel for Crown), Dr. Findlay (counsel for Eeceiver), Mr. Coates (Beceiver for debenture-holders), Mr. Dalston (attorney for the New Zealand Midland Bailway Company), and Mr. Blow (Under-Secretary for Public Works) were in attendance. Dr. Findlay informed the Commission that, in view, of the issue of the new Commission, which only reached him thirty-six hours ago, he had to ask for an adjournment until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week for hearing the addresses of counsel. Mr. Bell said he had instructions from the Government not to oppose, but, on the contrary, to siipport, any adjournment asked for by counsel for the Beceiver. Besolved, on the motion of the Chairman, That the adjournment asked for by counsel for Beceiver until Tuesday next, with the understanding that it be extended until Wednesday if required, and supported by counsel for Crown, be granted. A letter was received from the Locomotive Superintendent of New Zealand Bailways, forwarding a return showing the valuation at different periods of weighing-machines not included in Exhibit No. 140; and it was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, That the return be received and made a record of the Commission (Exhibit No. 172). At 11.15 a.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Thubsday, 6th June, 1901. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Mr. McKenzie (Chairman), Mr. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. McKerrow. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was received from the Under-Secretary for Public Works, forwarding a portion of the return asked for by the Commission on the 23rd May, and stating that a complete return would be furnished as soon as the necessary information was available; and it was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, that consideration of the matter be deferred until the completed return has been received. Mr. Dalston (attorney for the New Zealand Midland Bailway Company) was in attendance. At 3.45 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 2.30 p.m. to-morrow.

Friday, 7th June, 1901. The Commission met at 2.30 p.m. Present : Mr. McKenzie (Chairman), Mr. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. McKerrow. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Norman Howard Maxwell Dalston, attorney for the New Zealand Midland Bailway Company, was called and further examined on oath. At 4.45 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Satubday, Bth June, 1901. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Mr. MeKenzie (Chairman), Mr. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. McKerrow. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Norman Howard Maxwell Dalston, attorney for the New Zealand Midland Bailway Company, was called, and produced a further return (Exhibit No. 75). The Commission considered the printed proofs of Exhibits Nos. 169 to 171, and the secretary was instructed, on the motion of Mr. Hudson, to authorise the Government Printer to proceed with the printing of these returns. At 1 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 6.30 a.m., Monday.

Monday, 10th June, 1901. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Mr, McKenzie (Chairman), Mr. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. McKerrow. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Fraser moved, That the sum of £114,205 Is. 7d., appearing in Exhibit No. 175, be allocated to the Belgrove, Springfield, and Beef ton-Jackson's lines, in order to answer the second part of question No. 1 of the Commission.