The Committee met pursuant to adjournment.

Present:—Major Atkinson, Mr. Cargill, Mr. Carleton, Mr. Rolleston, and Mr. Tancred.

The Chairman then submitted to the Committee the correspondence between the Colonial Secretary and the Comptroller in reference to the question referred to them, and read as follows:—

The Comptroller to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary.

Sir,—

I perceive by the reports in the newspapers that you are represented as having stated in the House of Representatives that a memorandum of mine cast, or seemed to cast, some imputation upon Mr. Fitzherbert. I shall deem it a favour if you will point out to me any words used by me which are capable of such a construction, in order that I may at once remove an impression wholly contrary to my intention.