D.—4

4

No. 9

The Under- Secretary for Public Works to Mr. N. H. M. Dalston. Public Works Office, Wellington, 6th April, 1897. Sir, — Midland Railway : Proposals for a New Contract. I am directed by the Minister for Public Works to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo making certain suggestions in modification of your proposals already made for a new contract. Before considering these suggestions the Minister would be glad if you would kindly inform him whether you are still authorised to make proposals on behalf of the company, in view of the fact that Mr. Alexander Young has been appointed by the Court to the position of general manager of the company. I have, &c, Norman H. M. Dalston, Esq., H. J. H. Blow, Under-Secretary. New Zealand Midland Railway Company, Christchurch.

No. 10. The General Manager, Midland Railway Company, to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Christchurch, Bth April, 1897. Sir, — Midland Raihuay : Proposals for a New Contract. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant asking if I am still authorised to make proposals on behalf of the company in view of the appointment of Mr. Alexander Young. In reply, I beg to state that I am still authorised to make proposals for a new contract on behalf of the company. Mr. Alexander Young is, I understand, the official Receiver and manager. I still retain my position as general manager, and my power of attorney has not been cancelled. I have, &c, Norman H. M. Dalston, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. General Manager.

No. 11. The General Manager, Midland Railway Company, to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Christchurch, 23rd April, 1897. Sir, — Midland Railway : Proposals for a Nexv Contract. I have the honour to remind you that I have received no reply to my letter to you dated the 31st March last. I have, &c, Norman H. M. Dalston, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. General Manager.

No. 12. The General Manager, Midland Eailway Company, to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Christchurch, 3rd May, 1897. Sir, — Midland Railway : Proposals for a New Contract. I have again the honour to remind you that I have received no reply to my letter to you dated the 31st March last. I have, &c, Norman H. M. Dalston, General Manager. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. .

No. 13. The General Manager, Midland Eailway Company, to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Christchurch, 10th May, 1897. Sir, — Midland Railway : Proposals for a New Contract. I have the honour to call your attention to the fact that six weeks ago—viz., on the 31st March last, I wrote to you in reference to the above subject, to which letter I have not had a reply. May I again ask you to be so good as to favour me with an answer to my letter above referred to. I have, &c, Norman H. M. Dalston, General Manager. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington.