Sir William Fitzherbert examined.

* * * I have before observed that Dr. Featherston had a very high opinion of Dr. Buller, and the Committee must remember that he had a better opportunity of judging on that point than I had; but this I will say, that to-day reviewing the past and looking at the evidence and memoranda on the subject, I am more convinced than ever, that a more perfect purchase was never made. The province of Wellington was deeply injured; it was defrauded of a large sum of money, but the chief injury lay in the fact that its settlement was seriously retarded. I firmly believe that 10,000 more people would have been in the province of Wellington to-day, had it not been for the action of the General Government with regard to the Manawatu. As to Dr. Buller, I may say at once, I think it is exceedingly hard that a gentleman who had been employed by one high in authority, should suffer from the political differences that arose on that occasion. * * * I think Dr. Buller should be paid, and paid by the Colony only, and if this Committee should see fit to so recommend, I should regard that as a proper though tardy recognition of valuable services. But if the payment is to make a charge upon the Provincial District of Wellington, I will do my utmost to oppose it in Committee of the House, because that would be adding insult to a deeply injured province, and I speak with an accurate knowledge, though I myself was not mixed up with the transactions. * * *

Q. Did the Provincial Council ever recognise this claim of Dr. Buller's?

A. I think it would have been carried without a dissentient had a page 13 vote been taken, but for the question pending between the province and the Colony, and in regard to which the province was so badly treated. The Government ruled the House, the House submitted, and the province was oppressed.

Q. At any rate, it was rejected whenever it came before the Council, from whatever cause?

A. Yes. But it was not rejected upon its merits. * * *

Q. You consider the claim a good one?

A. As against the Colony.

Q. But not as against the Province?

A. Certainly not.

Mr. Burns.—Is it your impression that when Dr. Featherston made the promise to Dr. Buller, he meant that the Province should pay the £500?

A. Undoubtedly, at the time. But he also intended that the Province should get its just rights as against the Colony.