(234)
2. It is decided to invite Mr. ROBERT FRASER-SMITH and Mr. STUART FRASER-
SMITH to attend, and letters are accordingly written to these gentlemen. The Secretary is to deliver the letter in person to Mr. R. FRASER-SMITH and offer any explanation that may be necessary.
3. Messrs. BowDLER and ORANGE are to be invited to attend at the next Meeting.
The Commission then adjourns to meet on Saturday, the 5th instant, at 2.30 P.M.
THIRD MEETING.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, 5th January, 1884.
Present:-Honourable E. L. O'MALLEY, Attorney General, (Chairman).
A. LISTER, Treasurer.
F. B. JOHNSON.
2)
1. Mr. LISTER is authorised to speak to Captain DEMPSTER privately about the employment of a detective to find out, if possible, any particulars that may be useful to
the Commission.
2. Mr. TRAVERS informed the Commission that he delivered the letter ordered at the last Meeting to be written to Mr. R. FRASER-SMITH, personally, and informed that gentleman that the Commission would be glad to take his (Mr. SMITH'S) evidence either in public or in private as might be desired, also that the Commission would be open to receive any suggestion which Mr. SMITH could make with the view of furthering the object for which the Commission was appointed. Mr. FRASER-SMITH refused to attend before the Commission, and said that he would reply officially giving his reasons for so doing.
3. Mr. BOWDLER is requested to reply in writing to the following:-
(1.) What were the Government or Departmental orders as to accepting
tenders when you began acting?
(2.) What changes were made during your tenure?
(3.) What changes since?
(4.) What is the present system?
(5.) Give a list of the charges complained of by the Officers of the Department.
4. It is decided to call in Mr. Cox, short-hand writer.
The Commission adjourns to meet on Tuesday, the 8th instant, at 4 P.M.