E.—6A

2

We would therefore ask you, Sir, in the name of fair play, economy, and justice, to prevent this extension. Apologising for troubling you, I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Public "Works, "Wellington. David Fisher. To the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington, the Petition of the undersigned Fabmebs and Kesidents at West Oxfoed, Humbly Skoweth, — That we hear with alarm that certain owners of bush sections at Oxford are making efforts to induce the Government to extend the railway for a distance of four or five miles along the bush. That if such extension takes place it will be utterly ruinous to us, as our sections will be so cut up as to render them valueless. That only persons who have bush sections are agitating for this extension, and this regardless of expense that the country will be put to. Most of these sections will be worked out in two or three years, and the railway extension will then be a failure. That the greatest distance the timber has to be carted to the present railway terminus is not more than five miles, and in some instances not more than half a mile from the saw-mills. That the persons asking for this extension will require a platform and siding at every quarter of a mile, so that the expenses of working and salaries to be paid would far and away exceed the earnings of the line. And, finally, that the railway accommodation at Oxford at the present time is quite sufficient for the wantß of the district as a whole; and that this expenditure of public money, if it takes place, will be only for the benefit of five or six persons engaged in saw-mill business. We therefore humbly hope that you will be so good as to disallow this extension; and your petitioners will, as in duty bound, ever pray. (Signed) David Fishee, Farmer. Isaac Miibch, Butcher. John Muleiee, Farmer. William Paget, Carrier. And 30 others. By Authority : Gbobgb Diesbcit, GoTemment Prißttr, Wellingtor.—l676. Price 3d.] ; .