existence.
58
I saw the C. S. about it and through him sought an interview with H.. the 0.A. G., at which
I
149
Mr. N. L. Smith was also present. It took place in Government House I cannot determine the dute, unfortunately. ascertained from l.. that his reading of the resolution
in Council was that it left it open to me to make such arrangements with agents as I wished. It did not prohibit me categorically from anything except the grant of a monopoly.
- and that I maintain I have not given.
Chairman: The words "by the method of tender, on short term
contructs" were to be ignored?
Mr
Forrest:
No. They said that a monopoly should not be given. nother method was unobjectionable, but they did
not say that that other method was exclusive.
Q
Did you report that to Government?
A
Q
Did you write a
confirming minute to the C.§. referring to the interview
and the decision?
No, I did not. It is obvious to me and everybody else that the institution of a general agency could not be kept hid. It strikes me as rather an unusual form of agreement. It is an agreement between yourself and Ur. van Kobza, not between Government and Mr. von Kobza.
A
Myself as I migration Officer.
Yourself, the Immigration Officer, yes,
by an independent firm of solicitors.
Crown Solicitor about it?
A
And it is prepared
Did you approach the
I
No. I did not intend to employ solicitors at all. drafted that almost as it stands - a few verbal changes excluded- and I sent it to Mr. Kobza for his consideration and he, without consulting me, took it to solicitors who
engrossed it.
a
Did you take any advice from any of the Government advisers on the terms of this agreement?
A
No, sir.
Did you make any report before you actually signed this,
that
you intended making such an agreement ?
A
No, sir.