D.—sa

2

Enclosure 1 in 1 of No. 3. Resolution of the Housi of Representatives, dated 30th October, 1884. [Vide No. I.]

Enclosure 2 in 1 of No. 3. Memorandum of Information 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 m 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 character of fencing-gates and cattle-stops. Also length and 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. 6. Number of points and crossings. 7. Number and size of buildings, turntables, and weighbridges, and 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, illustratiTe 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, und prices paid for same in England. 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 to same if procurable. 15. A statement showing the actual c«st of construction of railway, exclusive of interest on capital during the period of construction; and also giving particulars of the various classes of work upon which the expenditure took place. IG. A statement of tho interest paid or due on the capital subscribed or expended from time to time up to date of opening of railway for traffic. 17. Amount of capital subscribed. 18. Amount of capital paid up. 19. Number of shareholders. 20. Number of ratepayers held to be liable. 21. Statement of liabilities (if any) secured by mortgages on the property or any part of it. In the event of any of the above information having beon already sent to the Government, it will be sufficient to quote the date of its having been so sent, instead of sending it again.

2.-—The Secretary, Waimea Plains Eailway Company, to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. The Waimea Plains Eailway Company (Limited), Sir, — Dunedin, 19th November, 1884. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your favour dated the 14th instant, addressed to the Chairman, with reference to the proposals of the Government regarding the purchase of this company's line. In reply I have to inform you that as soon as practicable a meeting of the directors will be called, to whom your proposals will be submitted, and a definite answer forwarded as soon as possible thereafter. I have, &c, E. H. Leaky (per T. Barr), The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. Secretary.

3. —The Secretary, Waimea Plains Eailway Company, to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. The Waimea Plains Railway Company (Limited), Sir, — Dunedin, 4th December, 1884. I have the honour to inform you that the directors of this company held a special meeting on the 2nd instant, and carefully considered your communication of the 14th ultimo (No. 57-491), setting forth the conditions upon which the Government will be prepared to enter into an agreement with the company for the lease and purchase of the Waimea Plains Eailway in conformity with a resolution passed by the House of Eepresentatives. Before referring in detail to the proposals contained in your letter under reply, my directors desire me to bring under your notice a short statement of the company's position and the difficulties it has had to contend with, principally owing to defective legislation. The company consists of seventy-five shareholders, and the capital subscribed amounts to £59,350, of which the sum of £35,610 has been called up. The proprietors were induced to subscribe to the undertaking in the belief that a minimum dividend of 7 per cent, per annum was secured to them by law, and that under the provisions of " The District Eailways Act, 1877," the company would be in a position to raise money by the issue of debentures. Belying upon the provisions of the statute quoted, and in anticipation of floating debentures, the company entered into contracts for the construction of the line and the importation of rollingstock involving the payment of a large sum of money. To the company's serious inconvenience and loss, however, it was found that, owing to the defective provisions of the statute, the debentures