TRAMWAYS IN THE PROVINCE OF WELLINGTON.

7

D.—No. 2.

In the meantime, the material for both lines will be got ready, so that no delay may arise when the road surface permits laying the line. From the reason I have stated, the line Palmerston to Ngawhakarau will not, probably, be completed for six months, as the season, unless unusually favourable, will not, probably, admit of laying tramway until latter part of September. Goods traffic between Ngawhakarau and Palmerston is now wholly by canoe transit by river, as the road, from causes mentioned, will during winter be unavailable for traffic. John T. Stewart, Palmerston, Manawatu, 31st May, 1871. District Engineer.

No. 14. The Hon. Mr. Gisboene to His Honor the Supeeintendent, AVellington. Sie,— Public Works Office, AVellington, 31st May, 1871. With reference to Mr. Halcombe's letter of the 22nd April, and to the reply of 28th of the same month, relative to the formation of a tramway to Foxton, in continuation of that now in progress from Palmerston to Ngawhakarau, I do myself the honor to forward to you the reports (dated Ist and Bth May, 1871) from Mr. Stewart, together with the decision (dated 27th May, 1871) at which the Government has arrived in reference thereto. I have, Ac, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. W. Gisboene.

No. 15. His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington, to the Hon. Mr. Gisboene. Sie, — Superintendent's Office, AVellington, 2nd June, 1871. In acknowledging your letter of the 31st May, 1871, I desire to express my satisfaction with the decision at which the General Government has arrived, relative to the formation of a tramway to Foxton, in continuation of that now in progress from Palmerston to Ngawhakarau. I have, Ac, AVILLIAM FITZHEEBEET, The Hon. Mr. Gisborne, Colonial Secretary. Superintendent.

No. 16. The Hon. Mr. Gisborne to His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. Sir,— Public Works Office, Wellington, sth June, 1871. With reference to my letter of the 31st May, covering reports from Mr. Stewart, relative to the tramway now being executed at Manawatu, I do myself the honor to forward a copy of a further report, dated 31st May, 1871, which has been received from that officer. I have, Ac, His Honor the Superintendent, Wellington. W. Gisborne.

No. 17. His Honor W. Fitzherbert to the Hon. Mr. Gisborne. S IE) — Superintendent's Office, Wellington, 7th June, 1871. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 166, of sth June, 1871, and to thank you for the information it contains. I have, Ac, The Hon. W. Gisborne, Colonial Secretary, William Fitzherbert, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 18. Mr. Knowles to Mr. J. T. Stewart. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 16th June, 1871. A report is required as soon as possible on the practicability and probable cost of making a tramway on the proposed line of railway from Palmerston to Oroua, so as to open direct communication between the Manawatu Road and Wanganui. John Knowles.