D.—2B.

1892. NEW ZEALAND

RATE FOR CARRIAGE OF COAL, BRUNNER TO GREYMOUTH, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO GREYMOUTH WHARF (CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO).

Betum to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated 23rd September, 1892. Ordered, "That there be laid before tho House all correspondence that has taken place between the Greymouth Harbour Board, the Baihvay Commissioners, and the Government in reference to the action of the Commissioners in reducing the rate for the carriage of coal on the railway from Brunner to Greymouth from 2s. to Is. lOd. per ten also, in regard to the action of the Baihvay Commissioners in refusing to permit the Greymouth Harbour Board to effect certain improvements to the wharf at the Port of Greymouth."—(Sir. Guinkess.)

No. 1 The Seceetaey, Greymouth Harbour Board, to the Hon. the Ministee for Public Woeks. Sib, — Greymouth Harbour Board, Greymouth, 15th June, 1892. By direction of the Greymouth Harbour Board I have the honour to transmit to you the following copy of a resolution which was passed by the Board at its meeting on the 13th instant, namely,—■ Besolved, " That the attention of the Government be called to the reductions made by the Eailway Commissioners of 2d. and 6d. per ton in the rates for carriage of coal and coke on the Grey-mouth-Brunner Eailway " The reduced rates are published in the New Zealand Gazette of the 3rd February last, on page 220, and are as follows Coal and coke dross, for shipment, reduced from 2s. to Is. lOd. per ton coal to Greymouth reduced from 2s. 6d. to 2s. per ton,' coke for export reduced from 2s. 6d. to 2s. 4d. per ton. And I am also directed to inform you that the Board cannot lose so large a portion of its revenue without jeopardizing its financial obligations. I have, &c, Thomas Allen, Secretary The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington.

No. 2. The Hon. the Ministee for Public Woeks to the Eailway Commissionees. Public Works Office, Wellington, 25th June, 1892. Ec Greymouth-Brunnerion Baihvay, Seduction in Bates for the Carriage of Coal and Coke. Memorandum for the Eailway Commissioners. I have the honour to inform you that the attention of the Government has been drawn by the Greymouth Harbour Board to the reduction made by the Commissioners in the rates for the carriage of coal and coke on the above-mentioned railway of 6d. and 2d. per ton respectively The Board is of opinion that the loss of so large a portion of its revenue will have the effect of seriously affecting its financial position and obligations. I shall be glad, therefore, if the Commissioners will kindly favour me, as early as possible, with an explanation of the reasons for making the reductions referred to. I have, &c, E. J Seddon, Minister for Public Works.

NO. 3. The Eailway Commissioners to the Hon. Minister for Public Woeks. (Memorandum.) Wellington, 4th July, 1892. Coal and Coke Bates, Greymonth-Brunner Baihvay In reply to your question regarding the Commissioners' action in fixing the coal-rates on the Greymouth Eailway, I have the honour to state that this railway, like the other Government railways