D.—No. 61

PAPERS RELATING TO THE

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No. 76. His Honor W. Bolleston to Mr. Ottywell. Sir, — Superintendent's Office, Christchurch, 15th March, 1871. Since my letter of the Ist of March was posted, a decision has been arrived at with regard to the form of rail to be ordered for the Southern Eailway between the Selwyn and the Eakaia. It has been determined to continue the flat-footed rail, as previously used, as far as the Selwyn, but the form of the head of the rail is to be altered, so as to correspond in shape with that in use on the Lyttelton Line. This alteration is, as you are aware, chiefly on account of the injurious effect of the present rail upon the wheels of the locomotive. I enclose the order for rails, fish-plates, bolts, switches, &c, as estimated for by Mr. Thornton. You will be good enough at once to see Mr. Vogel, and learn from him whether the Government will find funds for the payments which will be necessary in London for the materials, freight, &c. This order is not to be executed unless the Colonial Government can provide the funds. If Mr. Yogel states that the Government will provide the money, you will proceed to have the order executed, as in the case of the Northern Eailway, after conferring with Mr. Hemans, the Consulting Engineer of the Province, as to the form in which the tenders should be called for. He will, of course, prepare the necessary specifications within the terms of Mr. Blackett's letter of 13th March, of which I enclose a copy. Should any difficulty arise, you will refer to the Colonial Treasurer (or to Dr. Peatherston on his arrival) ; and on tenders being received, you will submit for his approval the tender which may be deemed the most advantageous, and make arrangements with him for the payments as they fall due. You will understand that the order sent by the last mail, for the rails for the Northern Eailway will be immediately executed by you, whether the General Government finds funds or not; but that the order for the Southern Eailway is contingent upon funds being provided in London by the General Government. I forward copies of the memoranda which have passed between myself and the Hon. Mr. Bell upon this subject; also of a letter from Mr. Bell, with memorandum enclosed, addressed to Mr. Sewell. A copy of a letter instructing the Bank to establish a credit for the Northern Eailway plant, to be operated upon if necessary, is also enclosed. I have, &c, A. Ottywell, Esq., London. W. Eolleston.

Enclosure 1 in No. 76. His Honor "W. Bolleston to the Manager, Bank of Australasia, Christchurch. Sir, — Superintendent's office, Christchurch, 15' th March, 1871. Orders were sent to the Emigration Agent in London by the last mail for a further supply of railway metals, rolling stock, material, and sundries, value about £11,000. It is possible that the Colonial Treasurer, now in London, may supply funds to pay for these materials, and the Emigration Agent has been instructed to apply to the Colonial Treasurer in the matter before incurring the expense. But in case the Colonial Treasurer should not supply these funds it will be necessary that Mr. Ottywell should be put in credit. Will you be good enough therefore to establish a credit with your London office in favour of Mr. Ottywell for £11,000, to be used, if it should become necessary to use it, for purposes already mentioned. I have, &c, W. BoLLESTON, The Manager of the Bank of Australasia, Christchurch. Superintendent.

Enclosure 2 in No. 76. Memorandum for His Honor ~W. Bolleston by the Hon. F. D. Bell. Christchurch, 14th March, 1871. Adverting to your Honor's minute of this date respecting the order for the material required to extend the line of railway from Selwyn to Eakaia, I have communicated to the Minister of Public "Works Mr. Blackett's approval of the estimate furnished by your Engineer, Mr. Thornton; and Mr. Gisborne having signified his concurrence, I have to convey to you, ou his behalf, the necessary formal approval of the order. I have communicated by telegram, with the Treasury at "Wellington, in order that the requisite steps may be taken for providing in London the funds necessary to execute this order, and meanwhile I have requested Mr. Gisborne to acquaint Mr. Vogel by the mail now leaving Dunedin (via Suez) of what has been done, so that he may be prepared to receive Mr. Ottywell on the subject so soon as the latter receives the order. I have, &c, F. D. Bell His Honor the Superintendent, Christchurch. (in the absence Mr. Gisborne).