I.—9a

1894. NEW ZEALAND.

RAILWAYS COMMITTEE. (REPORT ON THE CLAIM OF JOHN HAMILL AND OTHERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FERNHILL RAILWAY COMPANY, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE AND APPENDIX.)

Report brought up 14th September, 1894, and ordered to be printed.

. . . ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the 3bd day of July, 1894. Ordered, " That a Committee, consisting of twelve members, be appointed to examine into and report upon such questions relating to the construction and working of the railways as they may think desirable, with power to call for persons and papers; five to be a quorum. The Committee to consist of Mr. Crowthor, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Earnshaw, Mr. Flatman, Mr. Lawry, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. Massey, Hon. Mr. Mitohelson, Mr. Morrison, Mr. G. W. Russell, Hon. Sir R. Stout, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Seddon.)

Wednesday, the 25th day of July, 1894. Ordered, " That the names of Mr. Tanner and Mr. Wilson bo added to the Railways Committee." —(Mr. Pirani.)

Wednesday, the 29th day of August, 1894. Ordered, "That the name of the Hon. Mr. Larnach be added to the Railways Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Seddon.)

Wednesday, the 29th day of August, 1894. Ordered, " That the claim made by John Hamill and others, in connection with the Fernhill Railway, be referred to the Railways Committee." —(Hon. Mr. Sjsddon.)

EEPOET. The claim made by Mr. John Hamill and others in connection with the Fernhill Eailway having been referred to the Eailways Committee for inquiry, I am directed to report that evidence having been taken in this matter, the Committee finds that, as the Commissioners would have been compelled to pay for the maintenance, had not Hamill been engaged in the work, the Committee considers that the Commissioners should pay him, leaving the matter of the adjustment of accounts as between the Commissioners and the equitable owners to be arranged subsequently. That a copy of this report be forwarded to the Government for reference to the Eailway Commissioners. 14th September, 1894. G. W. Bussell, Chairman.

MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.

Thursday, 6th September, 1894. Hon. Sir E. Stout, K.C.M.G., examined. (Mr. G. W. Eussbll, Chairman.) Hon. Sir B. Stout : Last year there was a petition from Mr. Andrew and others, wishing to get a lien against the line for money said to be due to them by those who owned the line. The Committee, however, reported last year that the only man who ought to be considered by the Eailway Commissioners was John Hamill, but the others had no claim. Before the Committee last year, Mr. David Andrew swore that ho had never given the land for the making of the line, and that he had never signed an agreement to that effect. The original agreement was found this year in the month of April or May. The original agreement was found, signed by Mr. Andrew and his mort--I—l. 9a.