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2. No. 469, Session 2.—Eeport on the Petition of Duncan Cameeon and others The petitioners, resident in the Eakaia and Ashburton Forks Eailway District, pray the Government to take over the said line of railway. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th October, 1884. James W. Thompson, Chairman.

3. The Undeb-Seceetaey, Public Works Department, to Duncan Camebon, Esq. Sic,— Wellington, 31st October, 1884. With reference to a petition which you recently forwarded to the House of Eepresentatives urging that the Eakaia and Ashburton Forks Eailway should be taken over by the Government, I am directed by the Minister for Public Works to inform you that the Government was instructed by the House of Eepresentatives, on the 30th ultimo, to enter into negotiations with the various district railway companies with the view of taking over their lines, and that steps are already being taken to carry out this instruction. I have, &c, Duncan Cameron, Esq., and others, C. Y. O'Connoe, Ashburton. . Under-Secretary for Public Works.

4. The Hon. the Minister for Public Wobks to the Chaieman, Eakaia and Ashburton Forks Eailway Company, Christchurch. Sib,— ' Wellington, 14th November, 1884. I have the honour to forward to you herewith the copy of a resolution passed by the House of Eepresentatives In conformity therewith the Government will be prepared to enter into an agreement with you for the lease and purchase of the Eakaia and Ashburton Forks Eailway, subject to the following conditions :— (1.) That the agreement shall be subject to the ratification of Parliament next session. (2.) That you postpone all proceedings for the recovery of rates against such of the ratepayers as pay you two-fifths of the amounts you are authorized to collect on account of the period ending the 31st March last; such proceedings to be resumed only in the event of Parliament refusing to ratify the agreement. (3.) That the agreement shall bind you to waive all proceedings against ratepayers for more than the two-fifths mentioned in the last paragraph, and to return any excesses you may have received. (4.) That, from the 31st March last to the date of the agreement coming into operation, the ratepayers shall only be held liable to make good any deficiency up to 2 per cent, instead of 5 per cent. On the basis of these conditions the Government, if you are willing to lease and sell, and will at once signify a desire to that effect, will consider the offer they will make to you. You must be good enough to furnish also the information described in the memorandum at foot. In making arrangements with the ratepayers as indicated above, you are at liberty to inform them that, should Parliament ratify the arrangement proposed, the Government will include in the ratification a proposal to reduce the present responsibilities of the ratepayers from 5 to 2 per cent., to run over a course of twenty years, commencing with the date on account of which the first payment is made. I have, &c, The Chairman, Eakaia and Ashburton Forks Edwaed Eichaedson, Eailway Company, Christchurch. Minister for Public Works.

Enclosure 1 in 4 of No. 3. Resolution of the House of Kepbesentatives, dated 30th October, 1884. [Vide No, I.]

Enclosure 2 in 4 of No. 3. Memorandum of Infobmation required. 1. General plan showing the position of the railway in relation to lands and reserves, &c, adjacent to it. 2. Ground-plan showing the line of railway throughout, and the positions of the stations; and also detail plans (if any) of stations. On this plan there should also be shown the land required for, and intended to be handed over to Government in connection with, the railway ; and it should be accompanied by a schedule showing how and from whom the said land has been acquired, and the amount paid for it, and also the nature of the title which it is proposed to give to the Government to hold it by. Where any land required is not as yet settled for, its estimated value and the price demanded for it should be stated, also the name of the owner and occupier. 3. Longitudinal section of line throughout, also cross-sections (if any). 4. Quantities in cuttings, embankments, bridges, and culverts, &c.; also state character of excavation, whether rock or otherwise, where known. Also length and number and .charactor of fencing, gates, and cattle-stops. Also length ond character of approach-roads and roads in station-yards, and the cost of same where not included in contracts. 5. Length of main line and sidings. G. Number of points and crossings. I. Number and size of buildings, turntables, weighbridges, &c, at each station separately. 8. Originals of all contracts for construction-works, including contracts for buildings and for platelaying and ballasting. To be accompanied by all plans and specifications, and tables of quantities, and schedules, &c, illustrative of the said contracts. 9. Weight and character of rail and fastenings used, and prices paid for same in England. If more than one character of rail and fastenings used, state each, and describe where laid and to what extent. 10. Size and character of sleepers used. 11. Original contracts for supply of sleepers, and prices paid for supplies (if any) not obtained by contract. 12. List of rolling-stock, giving character and class of each description of vehicle, and prices paid for same in Kngland. 13. List showing any other items not above enumerated. 14. Original estimate for railway, as prepared by the company's engineer, and all the detail quantities leading up io same if procurable.