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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, I-06

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1899. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDER OP REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the 18th Day of July, 1899. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. all be suspended, and that a Committee, consisting of eighteen members, be appointed to examine into and report upon questions relating to the railways; with power to call for persons and papers ; five to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. E. G. Allen, Mr. Carson, Mr. Crowther, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Flatman, Mr. Graham, Mr. Holland, Mr. Lawry, Mr. Massey, Mr. McLean, Mr. Morrison, Mr. O'Meara, Mr. Rawlins, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Taylor, Mr. J. W. Thomson, Mr. Wright, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. Cadman.)

INDEX.

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[o. Sioner. 'age. to. :ioner. Page. 190 183 Armitage, L. F., end Others Atkinson, Henry, and Others 3 4 498 349f 136 288 338 102 328* 149 501 274t Madden, John Marshall, John, and Others MoCluggage, Thomas MoLaughlin, H., and Others McRae, George, and Others Mitchelson, Hon. E., and Others Moore, James Moriarty, Timothy Mori arty, Timothy Murray, W. H., and Others 6 3 4 6 5 2 , 2 4 6 3 286 323 16* 311 95 244 370 180 Betzer, Julius, and Others Birt, E. T., and Others Blaokley, W. S. C, and Others .. Bodle, Frank, and Others Broomfield, John, and Others .. Brown, J. M., and Others Burns, John, and Co., and Others Burton, Colonel H., and Others 3 4 2 4 2 i v> 3 351* 228 177 141 249 296 261 176 316 343 70 368 Campbell, Margaret (Mrs) Carlton, John, and Others Carter, C. H. {Vide Appendix I.-6a.) Carruth, W. A., and Others Cbadwin, W., and Others Chaplin, T., and Others Clark, F., and Others Clifford, Sir George, and Another Collard, William Crawford, William, and Others .. Cray, Frederick George Cruickshank, G. A., and Others.. 3 3 G 4 3 3 3 5 G 4 4 4 272 161 189 250t Napier, W. J., and Others Niblook, James J., and Others .. Nieol, Walter .. Nioolls, J. H., and Others 3 4 3 3 294f 309 Ogle, Charles, and Others O'Neill, John, and Others 3 4 21* 6 351 Paterson, R. M. Patterson, Thomas Price, William, and Others 2 4 5 24 372 Dempsey, Eupbernia Dye, Frank, and Others 2 4 482 349 323* 336 339 Rapley, C. A. .. Redwood, J. H., and Others Reid, Charles, and Another Robertson, Colin, and Others Rutherford, D., and Others 6 5 5 5 5 258 270 Earley, H. Ellen, W. N., and Others 5 3 20 226 269 378 329 Soott, John Smith, Richard, and Others Shaekelford, J. W., and Others .. Stephenson, J. B., and Others .. Stewart, W., and Others 3 3 3 4 5 21* Fairlie, Henry Carlyle 2 36* 248 352 353 324 Gardiner, John Goldie, D., and Others Goulter, R. T., and Others Greensill, G. A. N., and Others .. Griffin, Joseph, and Others 2 3 5 5 4 109 420 7 251 341 271 354 421 Tash, Charles Taylor, G., and Others Thomson, Elizabeth Wilson Thomson, G. L., and Others Thompson,William F. Trewin, J., and Others Trevor, G., and Others Troughton, W., and Others 2 5 2 3 i 3 5 5 357 342 297 404 287 350 483 Hare, A. R., and Others Hayward, C. E., and Others Healey, Timothy, and Others .. Hood, Andrew Hook, Henry, and Others Houldsworth, G., and Others Howell, James 5 4 3 4 3 5 G 182 250 200 Kelman, James, and Others Killen, J. M., and Others King, D. T., and Others 5 3 5 71t 76* 85 140 112 Vaile, Samuel.. Vaile, Samuel Vaile, Samuel.. Vaile, Samuel Vince, C. F. .. 3 3 3 4 2 419 310 247 Law, James, and Others Laxon, J. M., and Others Lester, R. E., and Others 5 4 3 199* 273 1S7* 123 237 210 471 Wallace, James Watson, W., and Others Whiteley, T. C. P. Whiteley, T. C. P., and Others .. Whitelaw, M. F. M., and Others Wilson, Jane Williams, George, and Others .. 2 3 5 3 4 6 6 329* 379 268 Mackle, Henry Mackay, A. M., and Others Macky, J. 0., and Others 2 4 8 *1898 11897.

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Nos. 21, 36, 199, 328, and 329, 1898.—Petitions of Heney Caelyle Fairlie and Eobebt Moeton Pateeson, John Gaedinee, James Wallace, James Mooee, and Henry Mackle. Petitioners pray for compensation for damage and loss of property alleged to have been caused by fires originated by sparks from locomotives. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend, in connection with the above five petitions, that they should be referred to the Government, and that a full investigation should be made by and a report obtained from a Stipendiary Magistrate. lam also directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the provisions of " The Crown Suits Act, 1881," which bar those who have claims against the Eailway Department from taking legal proceedings without first obtaining permission of Crown Law Officers, should be rescinded. 4th August, 1899.

No. 24.—Petition of Euphemia Dempsey, of Lyttelton (Widow). Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband, caused by an accident when working on the railway. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th August, 1899.

No. 112. —Petition of Chaeles Foebes Vince, of Opawa, near Christchurch. Petitioner prays for compensation on account of having been disabled by an accident whilst working as a casual hand on the Government railways. I am directed to report that in this case the Committee have no recommendation to make. 4th August, 1899.

No. 16, 1898.—Petition of W. S. C. Blackley and 2 Others. Petitionees pray for compensation for damage and loss of property alleged to have been caused by fires originated by sparks from locomotives. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend, in connection with the above petition, that it should be referred to the Government, and that a full investigation should be made by and a report obtained from a Stipendiary Magistrate. lam also directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the provisions of " The Crown Huits Act, 1881," which bar those who have claims against the Eailway Department from taking legal proceedings without first obtaining permission of Crown Law Officers, should be rescinded. 15th August, 1899.

No. 95.—Petition of John Bloompield and Others. Petitioners pray for an extension of the railway from Waiotu to Hukerenui. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. loth August, 1899.

No. 102.' —Petition of Hon. E. Mitchblson and Others. Petitioners pray for an extension of the Helensville Eailway northwards. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 15th August, 1899.

No. 7.—Petition of Elizabeth Wilson Thomson. Petitioner prays that she may be granted a compassionate allowance on account of the death of her husband, who was killed whilst in the service of the Eailway Department. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government that inquiry may be made into the matter contained therein. 15th August, 1899.

No. 109. —Petition of Chaelbs Tash, of New Plymouth. Petitioneb prays for relief on account of having beqn injured whilst working on the Government railways. I am directed to report that, as the Eailway Department has promised to provide Charles Tash with employment as soon as he is able to perform his duties, the Committee have no immediate recommendation to make. 17th August, 1899.

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Nos. 71, 1897; 76, 1898; 250, 274, 294, and 349, 1897.—Petitions of Samuel Vaile, Samuel Vaile, J. H. Nicolls and Others, W. H. MubEay and 99 Others, Chables Ogle and 46 Others, and John Maeshall and 50 Others. Petitionebs pray that the stage system of railway administration recommended by Mr. Samuel Vaile be brought into operation on the Auckland or some other section of the New Zealand Government railways as a trial. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the above six petitions be referred to the Government. 17th August, 1899.

No. 123.—Petition of T. C. P. Whiteley and Others, of Otahuhu. Petitionees pray that a reduction be made in the price of what are termed workmen's twelve-trip tickets. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th August, 1899.

No. 228.—Petition of John Caelton and 352 Others, of Catlin's, Woodland, Tautuku, and Chaslands Districts. Petitionebs pray that the Catlin's Branch Eailway be extended for a distance of eighteen miles (as far as Tahakupa Valley). I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the Government consider the construction of the line in the next Eailways Authorisation Bill. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 189.—Petition of Walteb Nicol, of Kaihiku, Otago. Petitioneb prays for compensation for loss of sheep killed by a railway-engine. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 20.—Petition of John Scott, of Sydenham. Petitioneb, having been injured whilst working on the Government railways, prays that he may be given some light employment, or that he may be granted compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Goyernment for favourable consideration. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 85. —Petition of Samuel Vaile, of Auckland. Petitioneb prays that the stage system of railway administration be brought into operation on the Auckland or some other section of the New Zealand Government railways as a trial. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 24th August, 1899.

Nos. 180, 190, 226, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 261, 268, and 269.—Petitions of Colonel H. Bubton and Others, L. P. Abmitage and Others, Eichabd Smith and Others, E. B. Lesteb and Others, D. Goldie and Others, W. Chadwin and Others, J. M. Killen and Others, G. L. Thomson and Others, P. Clabk and Others, J. C. Macky and Others, and J. W. Shackelpobd and Others. Petitionebs pray for an extension of the Helensville Eailway northward. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these petitions be referred to the Government. 29th August, 1899.

Nos. 270, 271, 272, 273, 286, 287, 296, and 297.—Petitions of W. N. Ellen and Others, J. Tbewin and Others, W. J. Napieb and Others, W. Watson and Others, Julius Bebzeb and Others, Henby Hook and Others, T. Chaplin and Others, and Timothy Healby and Others. Petitionebs pray for an extension of the Helensville Eailway northward. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these petitions be referred to the Government. 29th August, 1899.

No. 351, 1898.—Petition of Mrs. Maegabet Campbell, of Campbelltown, Otago. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance, her husband having died whilst in the service of the Eailway Department. I am directed to report that in this case the Committee have no recommendation to make. 14th September, 1899. '

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No. 70. —Petition of Feedeeick Geoege Cbay, of Eavensbourne. Petitionee prays for relief owing to expense incurred through an accident to his wife, caused by stepping out of a railway-tram. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make in this case. 14th September, 1899.

No. 136.—Petition of Thomas McCluggage, of Caversham, near Dunedin. Petitionee prays for a compassionate allowance owing to having had his arm injured by a railwaytruck. I am directed to report that in this case the Committee have no recommendation to make. 14th September, 1899.

No. 161. —Petition of James J. Niblock and 72 Others, of Hunua and Paparata. Petitionees pray that a goods-shed be provided at Hunua Station. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 14th September, 1899. _

Nos. 309, 310, 311, 323, 324, 341, 342, 343, 368, 372, 378, 379, and 404.—Petitions of John H. O'Neill and 9 Others, J. M. Laxon and 6 Others, Fbank Bodle and 44 Others, E. T. Biet and 40 Others, Joseph Geipfin and 133 Others, William F. Thompson and 46 Others, C. E. Haywaed and 69 Others, William Cbawfobd and 60 Others, Geoeqe A. Ceuickshank and 10 Others, Feank Dye and 19 Others, J. B. Stephenson and 38 Others, A. M. Maokay and 20 Others, and Andeew Hood and 21 Others. Petitionees pray for an extension of the Helensville Eailway northward. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these petitions be referred to the Government. 14th September, 1899.

Nos. 140, 141, and 237. —Petitions of Samuel Vaile and 52 Others, W. A. Caeeuth and 999 Others, and M. F. M. Whitelaw and 59 Others. Petitionees pray for an extension of the Whangarei Eailway to deep water. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the above petitions be referred to the Government. 14th September, 1899.

No. 183.—Petition of Henet Atkinson and 1,071 Others, of Oamaru. Petitionees pray that the proposed new passenger railway-station at Oamaru may be proceeded with at once. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 15th September, 1899.

No. 244. —Petition of J. M. Beown and 389 Others, of Oamaru. Petitionebs pray that before the proposed new passenger railway-station is proceeded with at Oamaru the Eailway Engineer may be directed to meet a deputation of the petitioners to discuss the matter. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 15th September, 1899.

No. 6. —Petition of Thomas Patteeson, of Invercargill. Petitionee prays that the sum of £50, balance of a sum of £100 recommended by the Public Petitions M to Z Committee in 1891 to be given him as a compassionate allowance, be now paid. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the Government be urged to give full effect to the recommendation of the Public Petitions M to Z Committee dated Ist July, 1891, which was as follows : " That, in the opinion of this Committee, the accident to Thomas Patterson was caused partly through the belt of trees obscuring the view of an approaching train, and from the very high wind blowing at the time preventing him hearing the whistle, and that the Eailway Commissioners be recommended to take steps to render this crossing less dangerous; and that the Government be recommended to place the sum of £100 upon the supplementary estimates as a slight compensation to Patterson for the severe injuries and loss sustained by him through the accident." 15th September, 1899.

No. 149. —Petition of Timothy Mobiabty, of Ahaura. Petitionee prays that an inquiry may be made into his case, and that he may be reinstated in his former employment. I am directed to report that the Committee decline at present to consider the petition of Timothy Moriarty on the ground that he has not as yet exhausted all means of redress, he not having placed his case before the Bail way Appeal Board. 15th September, 1899.

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No. 176. —Petition of Sir George Clifford and Another, of Waipara Eoad Board. Petitioners pray for a reduction of freights on goods of the A, B, and C Class, north of the Waipara Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 19th September, 1899.

No. 182.—Petition of James Kelman and 732 Others, of Central Otago. Petitioners pray for the extension of the Otago Central Eailway to Clyde. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 19th September, 1899.

No. 200.— Petition of D. T. King and Others, of Winton. Petitioners pray for an extension of the Forest Hill Branch Eailway. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 19th September, 1899.

No. 323, 1898.—Petition of Charles Eeid and Another, of Ashburton. Petitioners pray that Messrs. Collins and Co.'s tenancies of coal-sites at Ashburton be terminated. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1899.

Nos. 338, 339, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 419, and 420.—Petitions of George McEae and 3 Others, D. Butherford and 5 Others, J. H. Eedwood and 5 Others, G. Houldsworth and 5 Others, William Peice and 4 Others, E. T. Goulter and 2 Others, G. A. N. Greensill and 9 Others, J. Trevor and 5 Others, James Law and 5 Others, and G. Taylor and 8 Others. Petitioners pray for the completion of the Christchurch-Blenheim Eailway. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the above petitions be referred to the Government. 19th September, 1899.

No. 258.—Petition of H. Earley, of Palmerston South, Otago. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance owing to alleged injury received whilst in the Government railway service. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 22nd September, 1899.

No. 336. —Petition of Colin Eobertson and 218 Others, of Waikaia, Wendon, and Wendonside Districts. Petitioners pray for the completion of the Eiversdale-Switzers Eailway. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 22nd September, 1899.

No. 329.—Petition of W. Stewart and 899 Others, of the Electoral District of the Bay of Islands. Petitioners pray that the sections of the Whangarei-Hukerenui and Kawakawa-Opua Eailways be connected. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 22nd September, 1899. .

No. 137.—Petition of T. C. P. Whiteley and 570 Others, of Otahuhu. Petitioners pray for the deviation of the main south line of railway from Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be held over till next session, and in the meantime the Public Works Department be asked for a detailed estimate as to the cost of a branch line, and the Railway Department be asked to furnish an estimate of the probable revenue derived and expenses incurred by such extension. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 421.—Petition of W. Troughton and 74 Others, of Omahu. Petitioners pray that a railway-station may be placed on the Wharepoa Eoad. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 357.—Petition of A. E. Hare and 31 Others, of Southland. Petitioneks pray for the removal of the Bingway Siding to another site. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1899. 2—l. 6.

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No. 210.—Petition of Mrs. Jane Wilson, of Lyttelton. Petitioner prays for a compassionate allowance owing to the death of her husband after twentytwo years' service on the Government railways. I am directed to report that, the subject of the petition having already been dealt with by the Government, the Committee have no recommendation to make, and consider that the petitioner has no further claim on the colony. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 177. —Petition of Charles Henry Carter, of Christchurch. Petitioner, who was tried for manslaughter in connection with the Eakaia railway accident, and found " Not guilty," prays that he may receive compensation for the expenses he has been put to in defending himself. I am directed to report that, after full investigation and careful consideration of this case, the Committee have no recommendation to make. (Vide Appendix 1.-6 a.) 3rd October, 1899.

No. 482.—Petition of Mrs. Clara Eapley, of Woodville. Petitioner prays for compensation owing to the death of her husband, who lost his life by an accident whilst in the execution of his duty. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the Government be asked to grant another £50 as compassionate allowance to the petitioner. 10th October, 1899.

No. 498.—Petition of John Madden, of Lyttelton. Petitioner prays for a reduction in the weight carried by lumpers. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government, and are of opinion that legislation should be introduced dealing with the subject. 10th October, 1899.

No. 316.—Petition of William Collard, of Aramoho. Petitioner prays for an inquiry into his ease, and that he may be granted relief. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1899.

No. 370.—Petition of John Burns and Co. and Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that the Government may be pleased to reconsider the case of Mr. Stevenson, late Stationmaster at Auckland. I am directed to report that, in the absence of any petition from Mr. Stevenson himself, and seeing that he has not taken advantage of his right to bring his case before the Eailway Appeal Board, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1899.

No. 483.—Petition of James Howell, of Waipiata, Otago. Petitioner prays that he may be granted compensation for loss of a quantity of grass, caused by the spread of fires lit by employes on the Otago Central Eailway-works. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, the matter having been already dealt with by the Courts of the colony, they have no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1899.

No. 471. —Petition of George Williams and 55 Others, of Woodend, Southland. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of property and damage, alleged to be caused by sparks from locomotives. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be added to others that are the subject of an adjourned debate with the same report. 10th October, 1899.

No. 501.—Petition of Timothy Moriarty, of Ahaura. Petitioner prays that his case may be reheard, and that he be granted compensation, &c. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition has already been dealt with during the present session, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 19th October, 1899.

No. 288. —Petition of Hugh McLaughlin and 2 Others, of Little Grey Junction. Petitioners pray that inquiry may be made into the encroachment of the Grey Biver on their land, caused by the erection of certain bridges, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 19th October, 1899. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,875 copies), £i 16s. 6d.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB99. Price 6d.]