D.—No. 6b.

4

SCHEDULE OF CORRESPONDENCE— continued.

III. —Westpobt to Mount Rochfokt Coal Field. Wo. Date. From. To. Subject. 19 1871. July 7 Superintendent, Nelson Hon. Colonial Secretary Importance of proposed line from Westport to Mount Rochfort Coal Field. Thinks its survey should be preceded by a careful examination of the field by the officers of the Geological Department. Government concurs in the opinion that an exploration is necessary, but the summer is the only season in which it can be successfully undertaken. July 29 Hon. Colonial Secretary Superintendent, Nelson IV. —Tramway ah > Railway to G-eey Co. ix Mikes by Local Companies. 21 22 23 1871. April 29 May 19 May 29 Borough Council Grey Valley Tramway Company (Limited) Mr. Blackett Hon. Colonial Secretary Hon. Colonial Secretary Hon. Colonial Secretary Forwards resolution that no permission be granted to occupy certain lands available for railway purposes until the direction of the Brunner Coal Mine Line is decided. This Company has commenced formation of a tramway to coalfields. Chairman County Council states that Tramway Company have not complied with conditions under which protection was given them, nor are they likely to do so. Relating to the formation of a local railway company to Grey Coal Mines. Has seen Mr. Harrison, and recommended the consideration of his letter should stand over until report of Mr. Blackett and Dr. Hector is sent in. Submitting proposal for the formation of the local company mentioned in No. 24. M April 10 Mr. Harrison, M.H.R... Hon. Colonial Secretary 25 June 5 Mr. Blackett Mr. Knowles June 5 Messrs. Kilgour and Perotti Hon. Colonial Secretary 2G MARLBOROITi -II. 27 1870. Sept. C Superintendent of Marlborough Hon. Colonial Secretary If the Picton and Blenheim Railway is economically constructed, the Province will, under the present financial proposals, be able to guarantee interest on its outlay. Acknowledges receipt. Sept. 21 Hon. Colonial Secretary Superintendent of Marlborough Hon. Colonial Secretary 28 29 Oct. 20 Superintendent of Marlborough Understands that a company is likely to be formed in Australia to construct railways in Now Zealand. If so, will Government authorize the construction of the Picton and Blenheim Railway. Government prepared to consider proposal if based on guarantee principle. Nov. 4 Hon. Colonial Secretary Superintendent of Marlborough 30 31 1871. Jan. 19 Superintendent of Marlborough Hon. Colonial Secretary As plans are complete, wishes to know whether Government will advertise for tenders to construct the railway. Government will, if possible, arrange with Captain Coote for construction on the guarantee principle. Will assist Government in forwarding this matter. 32 Feb. 10 Hon. Colonial Secretary Superintendent of Marlborough Hon. Colonial Secretary 33 Feb. 17 Superintendent of Marlborough Hon. Colonial Secretary 31 March 1 Superintendent of Marlborough Negotiations with Captain Coote are suspended pending a reference to England. CANTERBTJ] IT. I. —COBEESPONDENCE BELATING TO THE Commencement or Woeks. 35 3<i 37 88 3!) August 18 August 18 August 20 Sept. 9 Sept. 12 The Superintendent of Canterbury The Superintendent of Canterbury The Superintendent of Canterbury The Superintendent of Canterbury The Superintendent of Canterbury Hon. J. Vogel Hon. J. Vogel Hon. J. Vogel Hon. J Vogel Hon. J. Vogel Forwarding information relative to railways in Canterbury. Proposed extension of the railway system in Canterbury. Forwards letter from Mr. Selby Tancred, relative to traflic on Canterbury railways. Wishes for information as to intentions of Government, to lay before Provincial Council. Wishes to be informed whether, if the Provincial Government progresses with the railway works, the Government will take the works over when the sale of the loan is effected. Without making a pledge,Government will be prepared to consider, when in funds, the propriety of taking over the Canterbury Railways. Forwards resolutions of the Provincial Council,suggesting lines of railway not authorized by the Act. Mr. Blackett has left for Canterbury, and will consult His Honor. Sept. 13 Hon. J. Vogel The Superintendent of Canterbury 41 Not. 10 The Superintendent of Canterbury Hon. Colonial Secretary Hon. Colonial Secretary 42 Feb. 17 The Superintendent of Canterbury