D.—No. 6a.

4

PAPERS RELATING TO THE

No. 5. Mr. Blackett to the Hon. W. Gisboene. Sie, — Auckland, 26th December, 1870. I have the honor to inform you that on my arrival here, I proceeded at once to obtain the necessary information for the completion of the survey of the line of railway from Auckland to Waikato. S^S I spent last week in examining the line on foot, (accompanied by Mr. J. Stewart, C.E.,) from end to end, and returned to Auckland on Saturday evening by coach from Mercer, which latter place I reached by canoe from Tuakau on the morning of the same day. The Auckland end of the line will yet require some more examination and consideration ; and some portions of the revised survey of the line, lately made by the Provincial Government, will bear some further modifications, tending to cheapen the cost of construction, and generally to improve the line. As soon as possible after making the necessary arrangements for completing the survey, I shall proceed to the Thames, to obtain the necessary information relative to the proposed water supply for that district. Up to this time I have not learnt that tho Provincial Government are prepared to submit for approval any detailed plans or estimates for any specific scheme, excepting one for supplying water to the towns of Grahamstown and Shortland. The question may thus be one that will demand a lengthened and careful consideration. I shall however return to Wellington at the very earliest possible opportunity, consistent with such an examination as the importance of the subject demands. I have, &c, John Blackett, Hon. W. Gisborne, Wellington. Acting Engiueer-in-Chief.

No. 6. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. W. Gisboene. Sie, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 30th December, IS7O. I have the honor to transmit to you herewith an application made by me in terms of section 6 of " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," to His Excellency the Governor, for the continuation of the branch line to Onehunga of the Waikato Eailway to the wharf at Geddes Point, Onehunga. I have, &c, Tuomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. Superintendent. Enclosure in No. 6. His Honor T. B. Gillies to His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., Governor of New Zealand. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 30th December, 1870. I have the honor to enclose copies of resolutions, as per margin, passed by the Auckland Provincial Council, with reference to the continuation of the railway line to Onehunga, and in pursuance of section 6 of " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870," I have the honor to request that your Excellency will be pleased to cause such works as you may think fit, to be constructed for continuing the branch line to Onehunga of the AVaikato Eailway to the wharf at Geddes Point, Onehunga. I have, &c, His Excellency Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G., Thomas B. Gillies, Governor of New Zealand. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. G. Addeess No. 48.—Session XXVL, 1870. (Extract from the Journals of the Auckland Provincial Council, Friday, 25th November, 1870.) Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Council, the branch line of tho Waikato Eailwav leading to Onehunga should be continued to the Bluff, and that the construction of that extension should be commenced as early as possible. Resolved, That an Address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to forward this resolution to His Excellency the Governor, in accordance with the terms of the 6th section of " The Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870." Maheice O'Eoeke, His Honor the Superintendent. Speaker. Audbess 66.—Session XXVL, 1870. (Extract from the Journals of the Auckland Provincial Council, Thursday, Bth December, 1870.) Resolved. —1. That the resolution of this Council with reference to the continuation of Onehunga Eailway to Bluff, passed on the 25th of November last, be rescinded. 2. That, in the opinion of this Council, the proposed railway to Onehunga should have an extension of the line made from the present site of the railway terminus, opposite the Police Office, to the new Government Wharf, at Geddes Point, where all the steamers frequenting the Manukau now lie.

Address, No. 48, Session XXVL, dated Nov. 25, 1870. Address, No. 66, Session XXVL, dated Dec. 8, 1870.