Mr Seddon asked Mr Macarthur, the ohair man of tbo Publio Accounts Committee " for tbe session of 1889, " whether the statement made by the Native Minister, to tbe effect that tbe Publio Accounts J Committee bod sanotioned tbe payment of interest duo on tbeTuranaki Harbour • Board debentures, bo true, and, if. so, why snob sanction did nob appear " m the journals setting forth the transac tions of tbo Committee, aud why'lauch

decision was not reported to the House." Mr Hacarthuv declined to answer, setting np the plea that the whole matter was being investigated by the Committee appointed to deal with Mr Hutchison's charges, and that he did not think he would be justified m re plying before the Committee's report was brought up. Mr Seildon thereupon moved the adjournment of the House, and a lively discussion ensued. The i whole facts of the case were stated by Mr Samuel, the member for New Ply ' mouth, who was one of the Public Accounts Committee m 1889. His version must be accepted as strictly accurate, for it was not challenged m the smallest particular. He commenced by relating bow the Colonial Treasurer had laid the Agent-General's telegram before the Committee, " and placed himself to a certain extent m the hands of the Committee and sought their advice." Then said Mr Samuel : — It ia quite olear that saoh a, subject as that conld not at that time have boon brought out and reported m the House, (amombqr fWhyP) Because it would havo placed the whole cir cumstances beforo the pnblic, and thus have • answered m the negative tho question whether it waa expedient or not that this interest should be paid. The ooinmittoo had to con sidor whether or not something should be done, and they deoided that something must be done. The matter waa very carefully con- Bidored without any party bias. Tho leadot of tho Opposition waa there, and gave his valuable advice, and the hon. gontleman, the member for tho Peniusulu waa there, both gentlemen being extremely well qualifiod tc advise on matters of such importance as this. The result was that one hon. gentle^. man moved that it was not advisable tc - take any Btep3 m the matter. (Jlr Sed. don : That does not appear on the minutes). 