I.—lc

20

[major smith.

361. That was given on the 9th July ?—Yes. 362. On that date I was in South Africa?— Yes. 363. It was given in evidence that my claim was sent in without authority ?—Yes. 364. Do you know that at the time that authority was given the arrangements for the King's Medals had reached New Zealand ?—I could not say; I should think they had not. 365. And yet in evidence it is tried to be brought in that this £4 per week was for the preparation of these rolls ? —I do not think the conditions for the King's Medal had then arrived. 366. Had this £4 a week anything to do with the medals or not ?—We know we had to prepare the medal rolls. 367. Would you be surprised to know that the conditions had not arrived on the 9th?—No. 368. You thought the pay would be the same ?—I thought so. Before Captain Clark was employed I tried to get Major Johnston, but he did not accept. Captain Clark was a good man for the work, and was put to do it. 369. You have said that Major Johnston would have been paid according to his rank ?—Yes. 370. You think Major Johnston would have been paid if he had made out the roll ?—Yes; by his regimental paymaster. 371. Do you know any reason why I should not be paid for similar work ?—No. 372. From memory, it would be some time in June, 1900, that I went to your office, and, in course of conversation, you said the authority had turned up ?—Yes. 373. And, in the course of conversation, as we were chatting together, you said perhaps if I submitted a claim for £4 per week it might possibly go through ? —I may have done. I remember your talking about the question of your rank. 374. Do you remember my coming to the office the first time I submitted a claim for £277 as ranking as captain, and you said a difficulty had cropped up as to the rank of captain, and that if I submitted a claim at the rate for lieutenant possibly it might go through ?—Yes. 375. And it is possible I acted on that advice ?—Yes. 376. Bt. Hon. B. J. Seddon.] How is it your memory is so good in this conversation, and so oblivious when you were writing this report ? How is it you forgot it when you were framing this ? —I did forget it; I forgot the £4 per week. 377. How was it you forgot it when you gave evidence last ?—I did not know until you pointed it out now. I did not know about this £4. 378. Why could you not have told the Committee the authority had turned up, and that the captain had amended his voucher?—l did not know about the amended voucher for £4. I knew he had amended his voucher as far as his rank was concerned. 379. The question is this order. You distinctly recollect several conversations with the captain. Why did you not relate them when giving evidence before ?—I did not recollect it; I thought you would ask me questions. 380. And when you saw us involved you did not think it worth while to enlighten us ? Who drafted that? [Document handed to witness and read.] " Wellington, 9th July, 1902. —Memorandum for the Hon. the Acting Minister of Defence. —In view of the amount of work connected with returning contingents, and the large number of men shortly returning to the colony, I would strongly recommend that an officer be temporarily employed to carry out the necessary work connected with the same. This work has up to the present been carried on by an officer of the headquarters staff, but to the detriment of other business, nor is contingent work up to date. It is most important that matters connected with the contingents should be adjusted without undue delay. The period for which the officer will be required will be three months, and I recommend pay at the rate of £4 per week.—J. M. Babington, Major-General, Commandant New Zealand Forces." Would not that " necessary work " be the preparation of the rolls?— Yes. 381. Would not the " returning contingents" include the contingent Captain Clark was in?— Yes. 382. Then that order would apply ?—Yes. 383. Mr. B. McKenzie.] Who put that authority away ? —I believe I did. 384. Could you have put Major Johnston to do the work of the Seventh Contingent rolls without authority ? —Yes; we always get a member of the contingent to do the work, and he is paid by the regimental paymaster. Captain Joyce examined. (No. 8.) 385. Bt. Hon. B. J. Seddon.] Do you know Captain Clark ?—Yes. 386. Do you remember giving him any instructions about rolls ?—No. 387. Did you ever speak to him about the question of discharges ? —Yes. 388. With respect to the medal rolls, did you ever give him instructions?— No. 389. Did you ever receive any instructions from Major Smith with respect to him ?—Yes, sir; I instructed him to prepare discharges of the Seventh New Zealand Contingent. Major Chaytor examined. (No. 9.) 390. Bt. Hon. B. J. Seddon.] What is your position ?—I am A.A.G. (Assistant AdjutantGeneral). 391. Were you employed in the Commandant's office from September until the Bth February last ?—From the 16th September last year until February last. 392. Do you know Captain Clark?—Yes, sir. 393. What work was he engaged upon?— When I went into the Commandant's office he was working at the discharges in the office at the back of the building. Afterwards I was told he was to assist me in preparing the King's Medal roll and in issuing clasps. He came then into the same office with me for about a month issuing the clasps for the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Contingents, and then in preparing the King's Medal roll until the 28th February.