H.—l4,

1899. NEW ZEALAND.

RAKAIA RAILWAY COLLISION (REPORT AND EVIDENCE OF COMMISSIONERS RE).

Laid on the Table of both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency the Governor.

COMMISSION.

To all to whom these presents shall come, and to Alan George . Pendleton, Esquire, Eailway Commissioner (South Australia), and Joseph Giles, Esq., Gentleman: Greeting. WHEREAS on the eleventh day of March, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine, a railway accident occurred at Rakaia, resulting in loss of life and injury to persons and property: And whereas it is expedient to make inquiry into the causes of the accident and the circumstances attending the same, including the questions whether the accident was imputable to the negligence of any persons, and, if so, in what particulars and to what extent: Now know ye that, in pursuance and exercise of the powers and authorities enabling me in this behalf, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the Colony of New Zealand, I, Uchter John Mark, Earl of Ranfurly, Governor of the said colony, do hereby appoint you, the said Alan George Pendleton and Joseph Giles, to be Commissioners for the purpose of inquiring into the matters hereinbefore set forth. And, for the better enabling you to carry these presents into effect, you are hereby authorised and empowered to make and conduct any inquiry hereunder at such places in the Provincial District of Canterbury and at such times as you deem expedient ; and also to call before you and examine on oath or otherwise, as may be allowed by law, such persons as you think capable of affording you any information in the premisses ; a,nd also to call for and examine all such books, "documents, papers, or records as you think likely to afford you any information in the premisses ; and generally to inquire therein by all lawful ways and means whatsoever. And, using all diligence, you are hereby required to report to me, under your hands and seals, your opinion, resulting from the inquiry hereby directed, in respect of the several matters investigated by you under these presents not later than the eighth day of July next, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine, or such extended date as may hereafter be appointed in that behalf. And it is hereby declared that these presents are subject to the provisions of " The Commissioners' Powers Act, 1867," and its I—H. 14,