G.—l.

Greytown (Wairarapa), Bth May, 1891. The Commission sat in the Foresters' Hall at 9.45 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. A number of the Wairarapa Natives were in attendance. Mr. Rees explained the subjects which the Commission had been appointed to investigate, and invited the Natives to state their opinions thereon. Piripi te Maari, Tunuiarangi, Hamiora Mahupuku, and Te Whatahoro spoke, the last-named chief reading out to the Commissioners a series of resolutions passed at a largely attended meeting held at Wairoa (East Coast) in April. Messrs. Rees and Carroll replied. The Commission adjourned at 12.20 p.m.

Otaki, 11th May, 1891. The Commissioners sat in the Maori runanga-house at 2 p.m., where they were received by a large gathering of the Ngatiraukawa Tribe. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. Messrs. Rees and Carroll (the latter in Maori) addressed the Natives on the objects of the Commission, and requested them to state their vieAvs. Hoani Taipua, M.H.R., Robert Ransfield (Ropata Ranapiri), Akapita te Tewe, Wiremu Kiriwehi, Kipa Whatanui, and Atanatiu Kairangi then in turn addressed the Commissioners. The Commission adjourned at 4.35 p.m.

Wellington, 12th May, 1891. The Commission sat in the Native Affairs Committee-room, Parliament Buildings, at 10 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman),' J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. Francis Henry Dillon Bell, barrister and solicitor ; Martin Chapman, barrister and solicitor; and Thomas William Lewis, Under-Secretary, Native Department, were examined (the last-named partially). The Commission adjourned at 5 p.m.

Wellington, 13th May, 1891. The Commission sat in the Native Affairs Committee-room, Parliament Buildings, at 11 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. Hugh Owen, mining agent, and Ernest Dillon Bell, barrister and solicitor, were examined; and the examination of Thomas William Lewis, Under-Secretary, Native Department, was completed. The Commission adjourned at 4.30 p.m. The Commission sat in the Supreme Court library at 7 p.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., Avas examined. The Commission adjourned at 8 p.m.

Wellington, 14th May, 1891. The Commission sat in the Native Affairs Committee-room, Parliament Buildings, at 11 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. John Curnin, Government law-draftsman, and Henry Howorth, barrister and solicitor, were examined. The Commission adjourned at 4.30 p.m.

Wellington, 15th May, 1891. The Commission sat in the Native Affairs Committee-room, Parliament Buildings, at 11 a.m. Present: Messrs. W. L. Rees, M.H.R. (Chairman), J. Carroll, M.H.R., and Thomas Mackay. Ngarangi Katitia (George Broughton) was examined. The Commission adjourned at 4.30 p.m.

Wellington, 16th May to 23rd May, 1891. During this time the Commissioners were engaged daily revising and completing their report for presentation to His Excellency the Governor.

Wellington, 25th May to 6th June, 1891. Between these dates Mr. Thomas Mackay was engaged drawing up and completing an independent report upon points wherein he dissented from the opinions enunciated in the combined report. A serious illness supervened, and on the 13th June Mr. Mackay died, leaving his report incomplete. During this period also, and up to the 10th June, Mr. Rees, M.H.R., was from time to time in attendance upon Ministers, and Jwas engaged noting appendices, completing report, and procuring necessary returns.

XXXVIII