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Mr. Moeeison to Mr. Beogden, M.P. Sic,— London, 12th November, 1870. In order that the proposal made by you in your letter to myself on the 10th instant should reach by the earliest means the Commissioners, now on their return to the colony, and through them the Government of New Zealand, I beg to state that I telegraphed an abstract of your letter to Dr. Featherston, that it may be received by him before leaving Suez. It is also my intention to transmit a copy of it to the Government by the mail via San Fransisco on the 16th instant. I regret being unable to give you detailed particulars of the proposed railway scheme; the subject was under discussion in the Assembly when the last mail left New Zealand. But whenever they reach me, I will with much pleasure lay them before you. I am obliged to observe, after maturely considering your letter, that I doubt if the Government will be able to deal with your proposal, unless it is more definite. To have to apply to you for additional information would be fatal to it, as the Government will doubtless be desirous of deciding forthwith, and bringing the service into immediate operation. I therefore invite you to be good enough to consider whether you cannot submit the proposal in such a form that the Government may at once see to what expenses it may be committed by intrusting you with the surveys. In the absence of information regarding the advantages the Government is prepared to offer, I am aware you cannot set forth the terms on which you will be prepared to construct the lines or form an influential company to do so, inasmuch as such proposal must be regulated by the terms and conditions which the Government may be in a position to offer; but as I confine my remarks only to the surveys, this may not be difficult to you, and if before the 15th instant you can favour me with your views, I will bring them under the notice of the Government. I am, &c, Alex. Brogden, Esq., M.P. John Moeeison.

Mr. Bbogden, M.P., to Mr. Moeeison. Sic, — Coyhahene, near Bridgend, 20th November, 1870. I enclose you herewith a letter I have received from Mr. Brunlees embodying his proposals respecting the New Zealand railways. Taking this letter and my previous communication, and reading them together, you will have the proposal I make to the New Zealand Government. If no arrangement is made with them for the construction, I shall not have any claim upon the Government for the work done by Mr. Brunlees beyond that contained in his letter. I believe that Mr. Brunlees and Mr. Pox have arrived at an understanding, and that Mr. Brunlees has made his offer in conjunction with Mr. Fox. If therefore there is anything in which the terms offered by Mr. Fox are more favourable, you can accept them as my proposal. I have, &c, J. Morrison, Esq., London. Alex. Beogden.

[Sub-Enclosures.] Mr. Bbtthzkes to Mr. Beqgden, M.P. Sic, — 5, Victoria Steet, Westminster, 18th November, 1870. I am willing to undertake the necessary surveys for a system of railways in New Zealand on the following terms : — I will send out to represent me an engineer competent in every respect to advise with the Government authorities as to the system which may be best adapted to the commercial wants of the country and to its physical conformation, —the Government, immediately on the arrival of my representative, to enter upon the consideration of these questions, and to determine, without loss of time, the direction of the lines of railway. The survey of such lines to be at once commenced and carried on at the rate of not less than 200 miles a year, and the completed plans, sections, and reports to be deposited with the Government on or before the expiration of such time from the date of the commencement of the survey. In consideration of this, the Government to pay to me the sum of £65 per mile, such payments to be made on the completion of each fifty miles of survey. It is understood that this price shall include all trial surveys, &c, requisite to determine the best route for one line between the same places ; but, should the Government desire the plans and sections of alternative routes between the same places, they should be paid for separately. In case of the surveys being stopped by the Government, from any cause, the expenses of my staff shall be paid by the Government during such stoppage; and, in case the surveys shall not bo resumed, their salaries for six months, and the cost of their passage home, shall be defrayed by the Government. Should the Government cause any delay beyond one month after the arrival of my representative in the country before the direction of any line is determined upon, the salaries and expenses of the staff shall be paid until such decision is arrived at. It is understood that the total number of miles to be surveyed, at the rate of £65 per mile, shall be not fewer than 250, and that the Government provides for their prosecution at a not less rate than 200 miles per annum. I shall also be willing, at the proper time, to engage to perform the engineering necessary for their construction, including all expenses, at 5 per cent, on the cost of the works. I have, &c, Alex. Brogden, Esq., M.P. James Bejtnlees.

Mr. Bettjtlees to Mr. Fox. Sir, — 5, Victoria Street, Westminster, 18th November, 1870. In reference to the conversation we had the other day with regard to the surveying of lines in New Zealand, I am quite willing to join Mr. Chas. Douglas Fox (your brother) and yourself in any