I. —6a.

5

The Chairman administered the oath to witnesses during to-day's sitting of the Committee. The undermentioned witnesses were called by the Railways Department: — Francis Taylor Murison, locomotive engineer, Auckland (who also gave evidence on the 12th instant) was questioned, ihe questions and answers being taken down by the reporter. Samuel Kennedy, engine-driver, Locomotive Branch, Christohuroh (representing the New Zealand Locomotive Engine-drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association), was questioned, the questions and answers being taken down by the reporter. Mr. Buick arrived and took the chair. Alexander Whisker, engine-driver, Taumarunui, was questioned, the questions and answers being taken down by the reporter. Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Dickson, That the time-table of the running of the morning trains for 1903, and the time-table in use at the time of the New Lynn accident, be produced. Walter Bowls, District Traffic Manager, Auckland, was questioned, the questions and answers being taken down by the reporter. The examination of the witness had not been completed when the Chairman announced that the meeting would adjourn until the 19th instant, at 10.30 a.m. Before adjourning it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Dickson, to call the following witnesses: R. C. Dobbie, relieving tablet-porter, New Lynn; Mr. Richardson; and some one who can give information as to why the tablet-porter was dismissed.

Friday, 19th September, 1913. The Committee met at 10.30 a.m., pursuant to notice Present: Mr. Buick (Chairman), Mr. Dickson, Mr. Hine, Mr. Sidey, Mr. Sykes, Mr. Veitch, Hon. Mr. Herries. Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Ronayne and Mr. McVilly, Railways Department, attended. Mr. J. Bollard, who presented the petition, attended. The Chairman administered the oath to witnesses during to-day's sitting of the Committee. The undermentioned witnesses were called by tlie Railways Department : — Examination of Walter Bowls, District Manager, Auckland, was completed, the questions and answers being taken down by the reporter. Leave was granted to Mr. Dickson to withdraw his motion of the 18th instant re the calling of R. C. Dobbie. Two telegrams, handed in by the representative of the petitioners, were read. Leave was granted to Mr. Dickson to withdraw his motion of the 18th instant r« the calling of the relieving tablet-porter at New Lynn. Thomas Augustus Foweraker, Traffic Inspector, Auckland, was questioned, the questions and answers being taken down by the reporter. George Edward Richardson, locomotive engineer, Petone, was questioned, the questions and answers being taken down by the reporter. The Chairman proposed, That no more evidence be taken. On the question being put, the Committee divided, and the names were taken down as follow :— Ayes, 3.—Mr. Buick, Mr. Veitch, Mr. Sykes. Noes, I.—Mr. Dickson. So it was.resolved in the affirmative. The Committee then adjourned.

Wednesday, 24th September, 1913 The Committee met at I I a.m., pursuant to notice Present: Mr. Buick (Chairman), Mr. Dickson, Hon. Mi. Millar, Mr. Svkes. Mr. Veitch Mr. Witty, Hon. Mr. Herries. Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. New Lynn Railway Accident Inquiry. —On the motion of Hon. Mr. Herries it was resolved, That nothing but sworn statements be received. Letter from the Government Printer estimating the cost of printing the evidence of above inquiry at £60 was read. The following statements, forwarded to the Committee, were received—J. Walling Handby and twenty-one others; George Raynor Burns, and Robert James Mills; but were not sworn statements. Letter received from H. Green was read. The Committee then adjourned.

Wednesday, Bth October, 1913. The Committee met at 10.30 a.m., pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Buick (Chairman), Mr. Dickson. Mr. Hine, Mr, Sidev, Mr. Svkes Mr Veitch Mr. Witty, Hon. Mr. Herries. Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. New Lynn Railway Accident Inquiry. —Letter received from S. Ken nod v was read.