REPORTS OF RAILWAYS COMMITTEE. (Mr. W. W. TANNER, CHAIRMAN.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1898 Session I, I-12

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1898. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF RAILWAYS COMMITTEE. (Mr. W. W. TANNER, CHAIRMAN.)

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

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Eepresentatives. Tuesday, the sth Day of July, 1898. Ordered, "That a Committee consisting of seventeen members be appointea to examine into an 3 report upon questions relating to the railways, with power to call for persons ana papers; five to be a quorum. The Committee to consist of Mr. Carson, Mr. Crowther, Mr. Dunoan, Mr. Flatman, Mr. Graham, Mr. Holland, Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, Mr. Lawry, Mr. Massey, Mr. MoLean, Mr. Morrison, Mr. O'Meara, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Taylor, Mr. J. W. Thomson, Mr. Wright, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. Cadman.)

Feiday, the Bth Day of July, 1898. Ordered, " That the petitions No. 285, R. Witty, ana No. 313, James Ness ana others, of session 1897, be referrea to the Railways Committee,"—(Mr. Meeedith.)

Wednesday, the 3ed Day of August, 1898. Ordered, " That the petition No, 109, William Olliver, be referrea to the Railways Committee."—(Mr. Meeedith.)

Fbiday, the 12th Day of August, 1898. Ordered, " That the petition of E, Purser an 3 others be referred to the Railways Committee."—(Mr. Mebedith.)

Thuesday, the 18th Day of August, 1898. Ordered, " That the petition No. 158, William N. Chambers, be referrea to the Railways Committee."—(Mr. Joyce.)

Wednesday, the 31st Day of August, 1898. Ordered, " That the report of the Railways Committee on the petition of David Knight, of Hawera, be referred baok to the Committee for reconsideration." —(Mr. McGuibe.)

Wednesday, the 31st Day of August, 1898.

Ordered, " That the report of the Railways Committee on the petitions of John Mill and others and Thomas Ross and others, of Dunedin, be referred baok to the Committee for reconsideration." —(Mr. E. G. Allen.)

Feiday, the 16th Day of Septembee, 1898. Ordered, " That the petition of David Clark and 123 others be referred direct to the Railways Committee."—(Mr. GILFEDDEB.)

Thuesday, the 22nd Day of Septembee, 1898. Ordered, " That the petition of Charles Reid ana another, on behalf of the Council of the Borough of Ashburton, be referred direct to the Railways Committee."—(Mr. Weight.)

Tuesday/, the 27th Day op Septembee, 1898. Ordered, " That the petitions of Henry Mackie and James Moore respectively be referred direct to the Eailways Committee."—(Mr. Weight.)

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INDEX.

No. 128, 1897. —Petition of William Geifpie and Others. Petitioners pray that the terminus of the Otago Central Eailway should be at Wedderburn instead of Eweburn. lam directed to report that, as the prayer-of the petition has been already complied with, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 22nd July, 1898.

No. 197, 1897.—Petition of B. M. Gubb and Others. Petitionees pray that the railway may be extended further north from Helensville. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, as the subject-matter of this petition is a question of policy, it should be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1898.

No. 109, 1897.—Petition of Thomas Wilkinson and 77 Others. Petitionees pray that an alteration may be made in the rate of freights charged on farm produce ; and that a weighing-machine may be provided at Pukekohe Eailway-station. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1898. -- - -

No. 353, 1897.—Petition of Jane Wilson. Petitionee states she is the widow of John Wilson, who was employed twenty-three years on the clerical staff of the Government railways. She prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 22nd July, 1898.

No. Petitioner*, &c. Page. No. Petitioners, &c. Page, B. N. 28 136 Brown, Christina Bruce, H. G., and Others 5 5 64* 313* : Neale, E. : Ness, J., and Others 5 3 88 158 308 151 5 339* 253 c. Carlton, W., and Others .. Chambers, W. N. Clark, D., and Others Collins, A. S. Colyer, Jessie, and Others Conradi, W. J., and Others Cowper, 0. 4 6 6 4 4 3 7 109 o. Olliver, W. P. 5 201 291 184 122 Penfold, J. Perkins, W., and Others Pratt, L. G. Purser, E., and Others .. 6 7 5 4 346 D. Davies, W. B., and Others 7 304 E. 6 R. Ross, T., and Others 5 Erson, W. R. C. 186 287 336* 245* F. 6 3 3 s. Sainsbury, T. C, and Others Saunderson, W. L., and Others .. Scott, J. Sinclair, J. P. .. Stehr, H. E., and Others Steventon, A., and Others 292 128* 197* 290 333* Fairley, J. Findlay, John, and Others Fitzgerald, J. .. G. Gardner, P., and Others .. Griffie, W, and Others .. Gubb, B. M., and Others.. Gubb, T. A., and Others ... Guy, J., and Others 7 2 2 7 3 210 211 282 196* 47 289 5 5 7 4 4 7 259 V. Vaughan, J., and Others 6 227* 22 J. 4 4 20 279 253* 67 134 215 20 Johnston, J. A. .. Jones, W. K. Knight, D. M. Martin, 0. G., and Others McFarlane, J., and Others McLeod, W. and Jessie .. Mill, J., and Others Miller, A., and Others .. Mouat, W., and Others .. 5 6 3 4 5 6 5 69* 3 252* 213 . 109* 303 353* 351* 285* 319 w. Walker, W., and Another Walsh, Rev. W., and Others Welch, Rev. W., and Others Wenzleek, G., and Others Wilkinson, Thomas, and Others .. Wilson, G., and Others .. Wilson, Jane Wilkie, H. J., and Others Witty, R. Wright, W. R., and Others 3 4 3 5 2 6 2 3 3 G * 1897.

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No. 245, 1897. —Petition of John Fitzgeeald. Petitionee prays for compensation for injury done to his land by flooding, caused by the erection of a railway-bridge over the Grey Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, whilst the ownership of the Midland Eailway is in dispute, it is inadvisable to proceed with the petition. 22nd July, 1898.

No. 69, 1897.—Petition of William Walkee and Another. Petitionees pray compensation for certain lands, their property, taken for the purpose of constructing a railway at Otautau. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 22nd July, 1898.

No. 336, 1897. —Petition of John Findlay and Others. Petitionees pray that a branch line of railway may be constructed between Waicolo and the Orawia Flat. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th July, 1898.

No. 339, 1897.—Petition of W. J. Coneadi and Others. Petitionees pray that a light line of railway be constructed through the Eaglan County connecting with the Auckland-Frankton line. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th July, 1898.

No. 253, 1897.—Petition of J. McFaelane and Others. Petitionees pray that a railway be constructed to connect Gisborne with Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th July, 1898.

No. 252, 1897. —Petition of Eev. William Welsh and Others. Petitionees pray that a railway be constructed between Gisborne and Napier. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th July, 1898.

No. 285, 1897. —Petition of Eichaed Witty, Dunedin. » Petitionee prays compensation for injuries sustained by his attempting to get on a train when it was in motion, at Kensington, in December, 1884. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 2nd August, 1898.

No. 351, 1897. —Petition of H. J. Wilkie and Others, Hawera. Petitionees pray that a line of railway be constructed between Opunake and the Mountain Eoad near Eltham. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 2nd August, 1898.

No. 338, 1897.—Petitions of John Guy and Others, Opunake. Petitionees pray that a line of railway be constructed between Opunake and the Mountain Eoad near Eltham. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd August, 1898.

No. 313, 1897.—Petition of James Ness and Others, Auckland. Petitionees pray compensation for injuries sustained by them through an omnibus on which they were riding having been run down by a railway-tram at Auckland, on Ist October, 1897. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that petitioners have no claim upon the colony. 2nd August, 1898.

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No. 196, 1897. —Petition of J. P. Sinclair and Others, Henderson. Petitionees pray that a working-men's train be run from Auckland to Waitakerei Station at reduced rates. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. The Committee also recommend the advisability of the department taking into consideration, at as early a date as possible, the necessity of introducing working-men's trains in the large centres of the colony at a uniform rate of fares. 10th August, 1898.

No. 22.—Petition of William Jones, Dunedin. Petitionee prays for light employment by the Eailways Department, owing to his services as a watchman having been dispensed with. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government for favourable consideration when an opportunity occurs in the district. 10th August, 1898.

No. 4.-—Petition of Jessie Colyeb and Others, Invercargill. Petitionees pray that the railway-line between the Bluff and Invercargill may be fenced. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 10th August, 1898.

No. 3.—Petition of Eev. William Walsh and Others, Eiverton. Petitionees pray that a flag-station may be constructed at South Eiverton, on the BivertonOrepuki Eailway. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 10th August, 1898.

No. 227, 1897.—Petition of J. A. Johnston, Wellington. Petitioner states that he was the contractor for the construction of the Patea Eailway-station ; that, owing to his not having completed his contract within the specified time, deductions have been made from his payments by the department. He prays for consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee find, after careful inquiry, that the allegations made by the petitioner against the Eailways Department have no foundation in fact, and that, in their opinion, he has no claim on the colony. 18th August, 1898.

No. 67.—Petition of William and Jessie McLeod, King Street, Sydenham. Petitioners pray compensation for the loss of their son, who, in the year 1895, fell from the rail-way-bridge near Sinclair Eailway-station and was drowned. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that petitioners have no claim on the colony. 18th August, 1898.

Nos. 122 and 151.—Petitions of E. Purser and Others, Blenheim, and A. S. Collins and Others, Kaikoura. Petitioners pray that the trunk lines of railway in the colony, and especially that between Christchurch and Blenheim, be completed. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these two petitions involves a large question of colonial policy, the Committee recommend that they be referred to Government for consideration. 18th August, 1898.

No. 47.—Petition of H. E. Stehe and Others, Kaihu. Petitionees pray that the Kaihu Valley Eailway may be extended two miles and a half to Waima. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition involves a question of policy, the Committee recommend that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st August, 1898.

No. 88.—Petition of William Carlton and Others, Eatanui, Clutha. Petitionees pray that the Catlin's Eiver Eailway may be extended to Catlin's Bridge. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is a question of policy, the Committee recommend that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st August, 1898.

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No. 184.—Petition of L. G. Pratt, Christchurch. Petitioner prays compensation for serious injuries sustained through falling into an excavation in the parcel-office at Christchurch Eailway-station, while in the execution of his duty as a railway guard. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has established his claim against the Government for compensation, and they recommend that he be paid the sum of £200. 31st August, 1898. '

No. 20.—Petition of W. Mouat and Others, Merivale. Petitioners pray that a line of railway be constructed from Waieolo to the Orawia Flat, near Merivale. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 31st August, 1898.

No. 28.—Petition of Christina Brown, Ngaire. Petitionee prays that she may be relieved from paying the sum of £120 claimed by the Eailways Department as damages for the loss of three wagons accidentally burnt by bush-fires on petitioner's siding at Ngaire. I am directed to report that, inasmuch as the loss of the wagons was owing to bush-fires, and not to the negligence of the petitioner, the Committee recommend that Government do not press for any payment for the wagons so destroyed. 31st August, 1898.

No. 109.—Petition of William Olliver, Lyttelton. Petitionee states he was sixteen years an engine-driver on the New Zealand Government railways; that he was discharged in 1889 owing to old age. He prays for light employment, or a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 22nd September, 1898.

Nos. 210, 211, and 213.—Petitions of Thomas C. Sainsbuey and Others,,Kaipara Flats; W. L. Saundeeson and Others, Ahuroa ; and Gregor Wenzleek and Others, Puhoi. Petitioners pray that the Helensville Northward Eailway may be further extended. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is a question of policy, they should be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd September, 1898.

No. 136.—Petition of Heney George Bruce and Others, Fernhill, Otago. Petitioners pray that the extra haulage-rate of 4Jd. per ton for coal carried on the branch line between Fernhill Coal-mine and the main line of railway at Abbotsford be discontinued. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 22nd September, 1898.

Nos. 134 and 186.—Petitions of John Mill and Others, Dunedin, and Thomas Boss and Others, Dunedin. Petitionees pray that the line of railway from Dunedin to Port Chalmers may be straightened, and a second line of rails laid down. These two petitions having been referred back by the House to the Committee for reconsideration, I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that they be referred to Government for consideration. sth October, 1898.

No. 20.—Petition of David Knight, Hawera. Petitioner prays compensation for injuries sustained by being run over by a train on a level crossing near Hawera, in February, 1898. This petition having been referred back to the Committee by the House for further consideration, I am directed to report that the Committee do not see any reason to alter their previous report—viz., that petitioner has no claim on the colony. sth November, 1898.

No. 64, 1897.—Petition of Edwaed Neale, Waitohi, Marlborough. Petitionee prays compensation for damage to his property by the construction of the PictonBlenheim Eailway, in cutting off his road-frontage, and by the opening of a gravel-pit on his land. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion this petition should be referred to Government for favourable consideration. sth October, 1898.

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No. 201. —Petition of James Penpold, Southbridge. Petitionee states that he was a platelayer on the Government railways for over thirty years ; that in the year 1897 he was discharged owing to his old age, and to the fact of his being rendered unfit for work through the effects of an accident which occurred to him when in the service. He prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, considering the petitioner was injured by an accident when in the Government service, the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 11th October, 1898.

No. 158.—Petition of William N. Chambers, Dunedin. Petitionee states he was employed for twelve years in the Government workshops at Hillside that in the year 1890 he was discharged on the ground of old age. He prays for light employment, or a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration, with the view that the petitioner be found employment suitable to his age and capabilities. 11th October, 1898.

No. 287.—Petition of James Fairley, Sydney Street, Caversham. Petitioner states he was twenty-four years a platelayer on the Government railways; that he was discharged from the service in September, 1898, on the grounds of old age and debility; that when in the service he met with an accident, from the effects of which he has never recovered. He prays for a compassionate allowance. I am directed to report that, considering the petitioner met with an accident, which more or less permanently disabled him, when in the Government service, the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 11th October, 1898.

No. 303.—Petition of George Wilson and Others, Kaipara Flats. Petitioners pray that the Auckland northward line of railway may be extended to Whangarei. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898.

No. 215.—Petition of A. Millee and Others, Nightcaps. Petitionees pray that Government will purchase the private line of railway between Nightcaps and Wairio. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898.

No. 308.—Petition of David Clark and Others, Heddon Bush. Petitionees pray that a line of railway may be constructed between Wright's Bush and Heddon Bush. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898.

No. 259.—Petition of John Vaughan and Others, Cheviot. Petitionees pray that the Christchurch-Blenheim line of railway may be completed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898.

No. 279.—Petition of C. G. Martin and Others, Tahakope Valley. Petitioners pray that the Catlin's Eiver line of railway may be extended to Tahakope Valley. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 21st October, 1898. ______

No. 319.—Petition of W. E. Weight and Others, Pukekohe. Petitionees pray that a line of railway may be constructed between Paerata and Waiuku. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration, 21st October, 1898. ____

No. 304.—Petition of W. E. C. Eeson and Others, Onehunga, Petitionees pray for a reduction of fares on the railway-line between Auckland and Onehunga. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 21st October, 1898.

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No. 253.—Petition of Catherine Cowper, Christchurch. Petitionee states she was employed as attendant in the ladies' waiting-room at Christchurch Eailway-station; that in July, 1898, she was discharged for being drunk on duty. She prays consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 21st October, 1898.

Nos. 289, 291, 290, and 292.—Petitions of Alfeed Steventon and Others, Kaipara; Walter Peekins and Others, Aratapu; Thomas A. Gubb and Others, Port Albert; Peter Gardner and Others, Aoroa. Petitioners pray that the Mount Eix Wharf, at the junction of the Kaipara and Kaukapakapa Eivers, may be opened for traffic; and a subsidy granted for a steamer calling once a month. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these four petitions be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1898.

No. 346.—Petition of W. B. Davies and 424 Others. Petitionees pray some provision may be made for Charles Tasch, late railway porter at New Plymouth, who was run over by a train in August last and lost both his legs. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration; and that they be specially requested to find Charles Tasch suitable employment at the first opportunity. 26th October, 1898.

No. 282.—Petition of John Scott, Christchurch. Petitionee states that he has been discharged from the Government railway service on the grounds of debility, the result of an injury received when in the railway service. He prays a compassionate allowance, or employment at light work. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 4th November, 1898.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (1,325 copies), Si 4s.

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