RAILWAYS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF, NOT INCLUDED IN FORMER PAPERS). (Mr. G.W. RUSSELL, CHAIRMAN.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1894 Session I, I-09c

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1894. NEW ZEALAND.

RAILWAYS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF, NOT INCLUDED IN FORMER PAPERS). (Mr. G.W. RUSSELL, CHAIRMAN.)

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be printed.

INDEX.

No. Petitions, &c. Pago. 228 A. Arthur, Hannah 5 564 732 390 374 B. Bennett, James, and Others Blake, William Bragg, W., and Others Brooks, D. M. .. 7 8 4 4 2G4 144 467 G. Campbell, J. Logan, and Others .. Carr, Richard Olist, H. E. 3 3 5 315 759 714 D. Daldy, William C, and Others Dean, Mary Ann Dunn, Sarah 5 7 7 E. Bdie, John, and Others .. 5 397 183 588 IF. Fitzgerald, William Ford, R., and Others Frozen meat petitions. (Appendix I.-9b.) 4 7 19G 298 G. Gay, John Henry Gunn, Alexander 3 5 589 428 TT Hamill, J., and Others, Claim of. (Appendix I.-9A.) Hamilton, J. W., and Others Hansen, Hugh 7 5 J. Johnston, James, and Others 5 195 L. Lamb, Henry Alexander.. 4 154

No. Petitions, &c. Page. 313 525 743 627 326 M. Mackay, James, and Others MacPherson, J., and Others McLellan, Hugh Mokihirmi Goal Company (Limited) Montgomery, W. B., and Others .. 5 7 7 7 5 N. North Island West Coast Eailway Service 6 284 702 o. 4 7 Olliver, William Owens, William 394 188 401 P. i 4 5 Pickett, G. F. W. Porter, J. Primrose, Andrew, and Others 46 Q. Quinn, Patrick .. ' .. 5 587 148 502 R. Raeside, A., and Others .. Rennie, Kenneth Ross, John, and Others .. 7 4 6 156 s. 4 Smart, Joseph .. 599 T. Taylor, E. Norton, and Others 6 210 V. 3 Vaile, Samuel .. 321 682 w. Westport-Cardiff Coal Company (Limited) (No. 1). (Appendix I.-9.) Westport-Cardifi Coal Companv (Limited), (No. 2) Wintered, William Williamson, James M. .. 6 192 376 5 7

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1894. NEW ZEALAND.

Brought up Session 1894, and ordered to be printed.

No. 210.—Petition of Samuel Vaile, of Auckland. Petitioner states that he is the inventor of the " stage " system of railway administration. He asks that temporary powers be given him to apply the said system to a section of the New Zealand railways. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the time is inopportune to give a trial to the system proposed by Mr. Vaile. That the Committee strongly recommend that the system have a trial in regard to certain perishable products being carried at rates somewhat similar to the stage rates advocated by Mr. Vaile. (This proposal should be satisfactory to Mr. Vaile, seeing that, if only to a limited extent, what he has so long and earnestly advocated is to be brought to a practical test.) That the position of the colony and the working of the railways has not so materially altered since Mr. Vaile was last examined before a Select Committee of the House of Eepresentatives as would warrant the Committee in incurring the expense of asking Mr. Vaile to personally attend the Committee to give evidence. 26th July, 1894.

No. 144. —Petition of Eichaed Cabe, of Papakura, Auckland. Petitioneb states that he was a platelayer on the Auckland-Waikato Eailway, and so continued until 10th April, 1891; that, whilst at work, his eye was injured by a spark, and he, after great suffering, lost the sight of it; that he was subsequently dismissed on the grounds of over-age, but really because the work was too heavy for him; that the Commissioners gave him a bonus of six months' pay. He prays for further relief. I am directed to report that the Committee strongly recommend that the Eailway Commissioners should provide some light employment for the petitioner. Ist August, 1894.

No. 264.—Petition of J. Logan Campbell and 239 Others. Petitioners ask that a trial be given to Mr. S. Vaile's " stage " system of railway management. I am directed to report that, as the matter has been already dealt with on the petition of Mr. Vaile, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist August, 1894.

No. 196.—Petition of John Heney Gay, of Oamaru. Petitionbb prays that the railway charges be reduced on Oamaru stone. I am directed to report that the Committee finds that at present the stone quarries at Oamaru and Mount Somers are prevented by the railway charges from having so large an output as might be expected. It is of opinion that a substantial reduction in the present rates would encourage the use of building-stone, and suggests that the rates for all distances of over fifty miles should be lowered by, say, one-third on the present tariff; and that where the cranes are worked by the owner of the quarry no charge for cranage should be made. The Committee desires this report to apply to all quarries in the colony. 22nd August, 1894.

BAIL WAYS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF, NOT INCLUDED IN FORMER PAPERS). Me. G. W. RUSSELL, CHAIRMAN.

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No. 154. —Petition of Henry Alexander Lamb, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for reinstatement in the Bailways Department. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that though petitioner committed an error of judgment, he has been sufficiently punished. Having apparently been an efficient officer, the Committee consider it desirable that he should be reinstated at a salary equal to that offered to him at the time of his resignation; but that the compensation paid him should, in that case, be refunded in such manner as will not bear too heavily upon the petitioner. 24th August, 1894.

No. 284. —Petition of William Olliver, of Lyttelton. Petitioneb prays for compassionate allowance or other relief. I am directed to report that the Committee considers that the petitioner's case should be referred to the Commissioners of Railways for favourable consideration, in the hope that some light employment may be given him. 24th August, 1894.

No. 374. —Petition of Daniel Moore Brooks, of Mauriceville. Petitioneb prays for compensation for loss of office in the New Zealand Railways Department. I am directed to report that the Committee considers that as petitioner resigned his appointment after having agreed to accept a lower salary on removal, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 29th August, 1894.

No. 183.—Petition of William Fitzgerald, of Timaru. Petitioner states that he was in the service of the Railway Department for six years, and was dismissed,'in February, 1893, on a charge of using insulting language to his superior—Foreman Hall. He alleges that the charge was false, and that he was harshly dealt with. He prays for relief. I have the honour to report that the Committee find petitioner was rightfully discharged for insolent conduct, and though he afterwards brought charges against Foreman Hall which may be correct, they were brought out of a feeling of malice. 4th September, 1894.

No. 148. —Petition of Kenneth Eennie, of Invercargill, Contractor. Petitioner states that ho suffered loss through an engine being supplied to him of insufficient power in connection with his contract for ballasting the Wyndham-Glenham Section of New Zealand Railways. He prays for an inquiry. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the sum of £41 ss. be paid to the petitioner in full satisfaction of his claim. 4th September, 1894.

No. 188.—Petition of J. Porter, of Waiotahi Creek, Thames, Labourer. Petitioneb prays for relief in consequence of severe injuries which he sustained whilst working on No. 9 Section, Paeroa-Te Aroha Railway. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1894.

No. 156. —Petition of Joseph Smart, of Lyttelton. Petitioner prays for relief in consequence of injuries received whilst working on the railways. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1894.

No. 394.—Petition of G. P. W. Pickett, of Eocky Side, Caversham, Blacksmith. Petitioneb asks for reinstatement in the workshops of the New Zealand Railways. I am directed to report that, as the Eailway Commissioners have promised to employ the petitioner should a suitable opportunity offer, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1894.

No. 390.—Petition of W, Bbagg and 28 Others. Petitioners, residents of the Waitohi Valley, Marlborough, ask that the Railway Commissioners be requested to resume the co-operative system of sleeper-cutting in the Marlborough District. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that the contracts for supply of sleepers should, as far as possible, be spread over the bush districts of the colony ; and the Commissioners are recommended to obtain a further supply of sleepers in the Marlborough and other districts as soon as practicable on the co-operative principle. 6th September, 1894.

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No. 228. —Petition of Hannah Abthue, Widow. Petitionee states she is the widow of John Arthur, late of Invercargill, railway-crossing keeper; that he retired from the service through old age. She prays for a money allowance, to which she says her husband was entitled. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1894.

No. 298. —Petition of Alexander Gunn, of Christchurch. Petitioneb prays for an inquiry into the cause of his dismissal from the Locomotive Department of New Zealand Eailways. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1894.

Nos. 315, 326, 401, and 467.—Petitions of William C. Daldy and Others, W. B. Montgomery and Others, Andrew Peimeose and Others, and H. E. Clist. Petitionebs ask that a trial be given to Mr. S. Vaile's " stage " system of railway management. I am directed to report that, as the matter has been already dealt with on the petition of Mr. Vaile, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1894.

No. 192.—Petition of William Whitbeod, of Wellington. Petitioneb says that he was formerly an engine-driver on the railways; that he always took his orders from the guard ; that the guard ordered him to overtake a train at Featherston to put the English mail on board; that, for obeying this order, he was disrated to the position of secondclass fireman. He declined to take the position; his refusal being taken as his resignation. He prays for compensation and payment for overtime. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that the petitioner, in doing what he considered his duty at the time, committed a breach of the regulations, but was punished with undue harshness. The Committee, therefore, recommend that he should be offered a position in the service as first-class fireman, or equal to the one he left, at the first opportunity. With regard to the claim for compensation for overtime, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 12th September, 1894.

No. 195. —Petition of James Johnston and 16 Others. Petitionebs state that in about the year 1874 Mr. C. W. Smith, the Land-purchase Officer acting on behalf of the Public Works Department, purchased certain land from petitioners, situated between the Eangitikei and Turakina Rivers, for railway purposes ; that the said officer promised each petitioner at the time of such purchase that the Government would erect and keep for all time good fences along each side of the railway ; that the Government erected furze fences and for a time kept them in repair, but since the Eailway Commissioners took office the fences have not been kept properly trimmed, but only on one side, and they decline to keep both sides trimmed. Petitioners pray that the House will direct that the fences be kept in proper repair on both sides of the fences, according to the promise of the Land-purchase Officer. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, in the particular district affected, the Purchase Commissioner agreed on the part of the Government to maintain the fences ; that the Government up to a few years ago recognised the obligation by maintaining the fences. The Committee is therefore of opinion that the Commissioners should either by a capitalised payment settle the matter for all time or maintain the fences. That a copy of this report be forwarded to the Government for reference to the Eailway Commissioners. 14th September, 1894.

No. 46.—Petition of Patbick Quinn, of Drury, Auckland. Petitioneb states that he has been in the employment of the Government for the last thirty years. He enumerates a number of circumstances, and asks for compensation for services rendered. I am directed to report that the petitioner should, in the first instance, apply to the Eailway Department for redress before applying to Parliament. 18th September, 1894.

Nos. 313 and 397. —Petitions of James Mackay and Others and John Edie and Others. Petitioners pray for an extension of the Waipahi-Heriot Eailway-line. I am directed to report that, as these petitions deal with a question of policy, they should be referred to the Government. 18th September, 1894.

No. 428. —Petition of Hugh Hansbn, of Eelso, Labourer. Petitioneb asks for compensation through having met with an accident while in the Government employ. He was returning from work on a trolly, which was run into and thrown off the line by a special train. The petitioner was seriously injured, and states he will never be able to do any heavy work.

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I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has not received sufficient compensation for the severe injuries which he sustained, and strongly recommend that the Commissioners should find some light employment for him. 18th September, 1894.

Nobth Island West Coast Eailway Seevice. The Eailwavs Committee having taken into consideration the question of the improvement of the North Island West Coast railway service between Wellington and Waitara, and also between Wellington and Napier, I am directed to report that the Committee considers that a faster passenger service between Wellington and Waitara and Napier is necessary; but, as a faster service on the Manawatu Company's line would entail a subsidy variously estimated at from £4,000 to £7,000, the Committee does not feel justified in recommending such an expenditure. The Commissioners having stated that it would be possible on their lines to reduce the time occupied by the journey, and that they would give such a service as is desired if supplemented by the Manawatu Company, the Committee recommend that on the Government lines a faster service should be at once arranged. 21st September, 1894.

No. 682.—Petition of the Westpokt-Cabdiff Coal Company (Limited) (No. 2). I am directed to report that the petitioners ask to be relieved from the payment of the guarantee in connection with the extension of the Westport-Ngakawau Eailway that is fixed by Act. They ask for relief for the year 1893-94 ; and that new arrangements be made for the future. As an alteration of an Act of Parliament is requested, the Committee, assuming the statements in the petition are true, think the petition should be referred to the Government to see what relief, if any, can be granted them, at all events during the first two or three years of their lease. 9th October, 1894.

No. 502. —Petition of John Ross and Others. Petitioners pray for the construction of a public road to the Cattle-yards Bailway-station, Burnside, and also for a public siding at the said station. I am directed to report that, as the Eailway Commissioners report that to give effect to the prayer of the petition a cost of £800 would have to be incurred, the Committee consider that the work required does not warrant them in recommending the expenditure of so large a sum for the purpose mentioned. 9th October, 1894.

No. 599. —Petition of E. Nobton Tayloe and Others (relative to the Southern "Railway-bridges). The petitioners allege that " many of the railway-bridges on the Hurumii-Bluff Section of the New Zealand Bailways are in such a condition as to require immediate repair, and in many instances renewal." They pray that such steps may be taken as are required to insure the safety of the travelling public. 1. The Committee have exhaustively inquired into the petition, and have taken all the evidence available. 2. The only witnesses in support of the statements contained in the petition were E. Norton Taylor (the chief petitioner) and Thomas McGarva, Foreman of Works on the Dunedin Section, who was summoned at the request of E. Norton Taylor. 3. The evidence showed that Thomas McGarva was, in February, 1893, transferred to the Dunedin Section from Christchurch, and felt aggrieved in consequence. It is also clear that from the date of taking up his duties on that section he adopted a hypercritical attitude towards the Eailway Department, especially regarding the bridges. 4. It was elicited during the inquiry that when McGarva was transferred to the Dunedin Section some of the bridges were below that complete standard of efficiency which it is desirable should be maintained. The department, however, promptly entered upon the work of strengthening and improving the bridges, and the work has regularly and steadily progressed ever since, and is still being proceeded with. No evidence was offered to the Committee to prove that any request made by McGarva for either labour or material for raising the standard of the efficiency of the bridges under his control was ever refused by the department. 5. McGarva denied having supplied information to the petitioner Taylor, on which the statements in the petition were based; but Taylor categorically declared that McGarva had not only supplied him with information verbally, but had also placed at his disposal certain railway papers of an official character, copies of which he produced to the Committee. McGarva's evidence must therefore be considerably discredited by his having falsely informed the Committee that he had not supplied the information to Taylor on which the petitioner's statements were based. The Committee has therefore to report — 1. That no evidence has been laid before the Committee which would justify them in believing that the bridges on the Hurunui-Bluff Section either are now or ever were in a " dangerous state," as alleged by the petitioners. 2. The Committee is, however, of opinion that the system of bridge inspection on the Dunedin Section was not properly carried out, and that the whole system of bridge inspection in the colony should be so arranged that each officer's work should be sufficiently checked by his superior. 12th October, 1894. [Not ordered to lie upon the Table. Minutes of the Committee were laid upon the Table on 19th October].

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No. 564.—Petition of James Bennett and Others, of Belfield, Canterbury. Petitioners pray for a railway-siding at Belfield. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make, 18th October, 1894.

No. 702. —Petition of William Owens, of Lyttelton. Petitioner says he was formerly employed as a shunter and wharf-porter at the Lyttelton Eailwaystation; that he had to resign in consequence of the treatment he received. He prays for compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1894.

No. 714. —Petition of Sabah Dunn, of Oamaru. Petitioner prays for compensation for land taken for railway purposes, being part of Section 9, Block V., Township of Waihola. I am directed to report that, as the Commissioners do not dispute the facts set out in the petition, and as the Act bars the petitioner from taking steps to obtain legal redress, the Committee recommends the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 18th October, 1894.

No. 743.—Petition of Hugh McLellan, of Lyttelton, Master Mariner. Petitioner states that on the 2nd February, 1894, he was engaged to tally cargo ex " Buahine " ; that during heavy rain he and Mr. White, tally-clerk for the railway, took shelter under a covering erected by the railway officials between two rows of wagons; that whilst there two young men— shunters—without giving sufficient notice, shunted the two rows of wagons and caused a collision; that petitioner was thrown down and seriously injured; that he was laid up for several months, and suffered great pain and incurred heavy expenses; that he has received permanent injury to his right shoulder, the result of which is that his right arm is practically useless. He prays for inquiry and compensation. I am directed to report: (1.) That the Committee thinks that the claim of the petitioner should be further investigated by the examination of Mr. White and the shunter. (2.) Assuming that Mr. White and Captain McLellan were not properly warned to leave the shelter, the petitioner is entitled to receive some compensation. 20th October, 1894.

Nos. 587, 588, and 589. —Petitions of A. Eaeside and Others, E. Ford and Others, James W. Hamilton and Others, Eesidents of Eiverton, Invercargill, Nightcaps, Otautau, and Wairio. Petitioners pray that provision be made for the construction of a railway from Wairio to the Government coal reserves at Nightcaps, &c. I am directed to report that, as the question involved is one of policy, the petitions should be referred to the Government. 20th October, 1894.

No. 525.—Petition of J. Macphebson and Others, of Longburn. Petitioners pray for the removal of Longburn Station to a position 6 chains north of the present site. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition affects the administration of the railways, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 20th October, 1894.

No. 627.—Petition of the Mokihinui Coal Company (Limited). Petitioners set out a number of circumstances in connection with their coal lease and railway, and ask for inquiry, and that justice may be done to them. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition has already been dealt with by the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th October, 1894.

No. 376. —Petition of James M. Williamson, of Parnell, Auckland. Petitioner states that he was guard on a railway; that an accident took place on the 31st January, 1891, at Huntly Station, and he was dismissed in consequence of such accident, and for making a false statement at the inquiry relating thereto. He relates the facts of the case, and asks for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has been sufficiently punished for any faults of his connected with the collision at Huntly, as indicated in the petition, and recommends that on account of his good record for the seven years prior to the accident he should be reinstated when an opportunity occurs. 23rd October, 1894.

No. 759.— Petition of Maey Ahn Dean, of Eangiriri, Auckland. Petitioner states that her husband was a platelayer on the Waikato Eailway, and that whilst returning home on his velocipede it was struck by the train, and he was killed ; that the Commissioners have granted her a compassionate allowance of £25, and regret they cannot do more. She asks for further relief.

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I am directed to report that, as the Commissioners have given the usual compassionate allowance of three months' pay, viz., £25, to the petitioner, and they regret they have no power to do more, the Committee is of opinion that some provision should be made to meet what seems a deserving case, and recommend, that the petition be referred to the Government. 23rd October, 1894.

No. 732. —Petition of William Blake, of the City of Wellington, Blacksmith. Petitioner states that he was, from October, 1876, to November, 1889, employed in the New Zealand Eailway-works at Pipitea Point as springmaker and blacksmith; that from 1878 to 9th November, 1889, he was foreman blacksmith in the said works; that on the 9th November, 1889, when out driving, petitioner met with an accident which prevented him attending to his duties for about six weeks ; that, in consequence of his absence from work, his services were dispensed with. He prays for the usual compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that the petitioner has a claim for compensation during the eight years in which he might be looked upon as foreman of blacksmiths, and recommend his claim to the favourable consideration of the Government. 23rd October, 1894. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation nil; printing (1,250 copies), £4 18s. Ccl.

Authority : Samuel Costall, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB94.

Price 6d.]