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Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

MIDLAND RAILWAY (FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE IN REFERENCE TO).

Part I —Further proposals for a new contract. I Part ll.—Aa to the position of the company's debenture holders.

Laid on the Table by the Hon. W. Hall-Jones, by Leave of the House.

PAET I.— FUETHEE PEOPOSALS FOE A NEW CONTEACT.

No. 1. Mr. N. H. M. Dalston to the Hon. the Premier. Dear Me. Sbddok — Christchurch, Ist January, 1897 Many thanks for your telegram of yesterday.* I am now the general manager of the Midland Eailway Company, and as its sole representative in the colony I hold a full power of attorney under seal from the Board, and have a free hand to negotiate with you, subject, of course, to report to my directors for their final consideration and approval. I have some further proposals which I should like to lay before you, and shall consider it a favour if you will afford me an opportunity, at your convenience, of so doing; but should pressure of State affairs prevent your giving me an interview, would you depute Mr. Blow to go into the business with me. . , If matters approach a conclusion, it will be the desire of my directors to meet your wishes m the appointments of officers connected with the management of the company, and, subject to your approval, they suggest that Mr. Napier Bell be the engineer-in-chief of the company, and that I retain my position of general manager. Wishing you a prosperous new year, I am, &c, ° J Norman H. M. Dalston. Hon. E. J. Seddon.

No. 2. The Undee-Seceetaey for Public Woeks to the Geneeal Manages, Midland Eailway Company. Public Works Office, Wellington, 18th January, 1897. g IE Midland Bailway. In reply to your letter of the Ist instant to the Hon. the Premier, suggesting an interview -with the object of discussing further proposals in connection with the Midland Eailway, I am directed by the Minister for Public Works, to whom the matter has been referred, to state that it is desirable that any such proposals should be made in writing, and that any written proposals received from you in the matter will be submitted for the careful consideration of the Government. I have, &c, The General Manager, H. J. H. Blow Undersecretary. New Zealand Midland Eailway Company (Limited), Chnstchurch.

♦ This telegram, of which no copy was kept, was to the effect that the Premier regretted that a note from Mr. Dalston applying for an interview had not been brought before him at an earlier date, and that he would be glad to hear from him.

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