13826.
77
220
...
5
of the members regarding frequent "and continuous meetings, impossible.
"In December a long and difficult Case occupied the time of the full Court for weeks.
"In February and March 1876 the Committee, being constantly pressed by the Government to send in their Report, were explained to the Colonial Secretary Mr Austin, that there had not been time enough given to investigation entering into the most minute details of past management and discipline, and that a definite opinion should be formed on every point requiring investigation.
"At last, on Wednesday, April 19th, a letter came from the Colonial Secretary stating that the Governor had again asked for the Report; and had given positive directions that if it were not sent in before the following Saturday, the Commission would be cancelled.
"The first impression of the Committee was to proceed no further in the matter; but on further consideration, it seemed a pity that the large amount of material collected should be lost, and I undertook to draw up such a Report as could