PAPTVRS TTRT.ATTiVa TO nfWSTHRTTrTTrW CiV TH.AMWAYS PTP,

D.-No. 2.

8

No. 19. Mr. Stewaet to Mr. Knowles. (Telegram.) Palmerston, 19th June, 1871. Eeceited telegram No. 311. Estimate for durable tramway from Palmerston to the Oroua Kiver about eight miles along proposed railway line— £ s. d. Clearing off timber, drainage, and preparing surface at per mile ... 100 0 0 Material, and laying and ballasting, per mile ... ... ... 260 0 0 Small bridges and culverts, per mile ... ... ... ... 20 0 0 Total, per mile ... ... ...£3BO 0 0 Practicable, but could not well be done until the wet season is over. John T. Stewakt, District Engineer.

No. 20. Mr. Knowies to Mr. J. T. Stewabt. Str,— Public Works Office, Wellington, 21st June, 1871. With reference to my letter of the 17th instant, asking for a report on the proposed tramway from Palmerston to Oroua, a reply to which has been anticipated by your telegram of the 19th, I am now directed by Mr. Gisborne to inform you that it has been decided to instruct you to prepare plan3 and specifications, and call for tenders as soon as circumstances will permit. I have, &c, John Knowles, J. T. Stewart, Esq., District Engineer, Manawatu. Under Secretary.

No. 21. Mesiokaitdtjm from Mr. Stewabt to Mr. Knowles. Gorge, Manawatu, 21st June, 1871. Tramway from the Palmerston country to the Eiver Oroua. —Generally, the line will be favourable for a tramway, and present few natural difficulties, and would pass through a rich soil, bush country. I anticipate the finding of gravel, for metal, at intervals on the line. The estimate is for a tramway of the best timber (totara and matai), and of a substantial character. The further communication beyond the Oroua, either by the surveyed line of road to Middle Kangitikei, or, higher inland, by the proposed railway line onwards, would be good and easy of construction for tramways. John T. Stewaet, John Enowles, Esq., Under Secretary, Public "Works District Engineer. Department, Wellington.