7

D.—l

The Government are of opinion that by this proposal they are placing the matter in a position to which no part of the colony can reasonably object, whilst they are removing from the districts concerned the sense of soreness and inj-ustice under which they now labour. They hope honourable members will combine to aid the Government in dealing with a subject that has engaged the consideration of every Administration that has held office for the past eight or nine years, and which in no sense ought to be dealt with as one of party. Westport-NgaJcatvau. —On this railway considerable additions have been made to the rolling-stock, on account of the increased output of coal. Greymoutli-Reefton. —This railway is in the same condition as last year, namely, formed for a distance of 60 chains beyond Brunnerton ; but some minor improvements have been made during the year to the stations at Brunnerton and Greymouth, and a considerable increase has been made in the rolling-stock. Greymoutli-Holritilm Hallway.- —At the date of my last statement there was a length of 10 miles of this railway partly formed, 6 miles at the Greymouth end, and 4 miles at the Hokitika end. Since then a contract has been let for laying the rails on the section at the Hokitika end, reaching from Hokitika to the vicinity of the Arahura, and a further formation contract at this end of the railway, including a bridge over the Arahura River, will also be let during the present financial year, and also a contract for the completion of the formation and platelaying on the 6 miles at the Greymouth end. Picton-Aioatere. —On this railway the formation is completed for 4J miles to the southward of Blenheim, as stated last year, and a contract for a further length of 3^ miles is in progress. The works on this latter section have not been progressing satisfactorily, and I have, therefore, recently been obliged to take steps to secure a more vigorous method of procedure for the future. A further contract will shortly be let for continuing the formation of the line towards the Dashwood Pass. Hubunui-Bluff and Branches Railway. Main Line. —The construction of the bridge over the Hurunui River is now well advanced, and the formation of the section from thence to the Red Post, 9£ miles in length, is already completed^ including the station buildings, so that a contract for the platelaying can be let as soon as the bridge is finished, probably about October next. The extension of the railway station at Dunedin has been continued during the year, and the new platforms have been in use since Ist November lest, and it is hoped that sufficient accommodation has now been provided for some years to come. The new passenger-house, which is designed to be of masonry, has not as yet been commenced, as it is considered that it may be postponed for the present, in view of the very large expenditure which has already taken place. Malvem Hills, White Cliffs Branch. —A contract for the extension of this railway for about 24 chains, across the Selwyn River, is in hand, and is expected to be completed in about a month or so. It is believed that this work will be of great utility in facilitating the development of further coal-mines. A still further extension of this railway to the vicinity of Lake Coleridge would probably prove reproductive, on account of the high class of coal obtainable there, but the Government does not consider itself justified in undertaking this work at present. Ashburton Branch Railway.- —A contract for the formation of a further length of this railway, about 2J miles, is iiow in progress, and expected to be finished about January next. When this is completed the platelaying upon it will be put in hand without delay.