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2.
IV.
But owing to the enormous calls upon him and the necessity he was under of repeatedly absenting himself from the Colony, his Lordship was unable to spare as much time as might otherwise have been desirable. Under these circumstances it was unanimously decided that the work of applying these principles should be carried on by the other three members, who should submit the result to his Lordship. This we did, sitting regularly and discussing details, Mr. Irving putting them between whiles into the form of a Draft Report; so that at our next full meeting Parts I., III. and IV. were ready for discussion. This Draft Report was not, and did not claim to be, the final and unanimous opinion of the members who drew it up; and as a fact it has since received important modifications.
V. At our next full meeting his Lordship expressed disapproval of several features in the Draft Report, and especially of two main points. After some discussion a modification of one of them was suggested, which he promised to take into consideration. On the other main point it was agreed that the evidence of the Headmaster of the Diocesan School should be taken before a decision was arrived at; and with this intention the Committee adjourned for two days.
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VI. It must be clearly understood that this was the only occasion on which his Lordship gave us an opportunity of discussing the Report with him.
VII.
Before the day came on which the further evidence was to be heard, we received a brief intimation from his Lordship informing us that he had sent in his resignation. At the request of the Government the remaining three members completed the Report, which is unanimous.
VIII.