D.-4

2

1. To inquire into and to ascertain the probable cost and economical commercial value and other merits of the several proposed routes of the said line of railway from McCarroll's Gap to a junction with the section of the Kawakawa-Hokianga Railway already in course of construction between Kawakawa and Kaikohe, with the view of determining the route or routes best calculated to develop the country, and to attain for the said railway and for the existing railways and the proposed extensions thereof the largest amount of profitable traffic. 2. To inquire into and to ascertain whether the said railway beyond McCarroll's Gap could be more profitably worked if connected with any other railway already constructed or to be constructed through the northern peninsula; and also whether it would be advisable, in order to facilitate the future development of the country to the best advantage, to connect the said railway with the navigable waters of the Wairoa River, or with the Port of Whangarei, or with any other port or ports. 3. And, generally, to make inquiry into any matter or thing which arises out of or is connected with the subjects of inquiry hereinbefore mentioned, or which in your opinion may be of assistance in fully ascertaining, explaining, and arriving at a fair and just conclusion in respect of the subjects of inquiry, and into the expediency of promoting any new legislation to give effect to your opinion. And with the like advice and consent I do hereby appoint you, the said Vernon Herbert Reed, to be Chairman of the said Commission. And for the better enabling you to carry these presents into effect, you or any four of you are hereby empowered and authorized to make and conduct any inquiry under these presents, and at such place or places in the said Dominion as you may deem expedient, with power to adjourn from time to time and from place to place as you think fit, and to call before you and examine on oath or otherwise as may be allowed by law such person or persons as you may think capable of affording you any information in the premises ; and you are also hereby empowered to call for and examine all such books, documents, papers, maps, plans, accounts, or records as you .shall judge likely to afford you the fullest information on the subject of this commission, and to inquire of and concerning the premises by all other lawful ways and means whatsoever. And, using all diligence, you, or any four of you, are required to report to me under your hands and seals your opinion resulting from the said inquiry in respect of the several matters and things inquired into by you, or by virtue of the;-* , presents, not later than the twenty-seventh day of May next ensuing, with power to certify unto me from time to time your several proceedings in respect of any of the matter, 1 ; aforesaid, if it may seem expedient for you to do so. And it is hereby declared that these presents shall continue in full force and virtue although the inquiry is not regularly continued from time to time or from place to place by adjournments. And it is hereby declared that these presents are issued under and subject to the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. Given under the hand of His Excellency the Right Honourable John Poynder Dickson-Poynder, Baron Islington, Governor and Com-mander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand (Seal.) and its Dependencies ; and issued under the Seal of the said Dominion, at the Government House, at Wellington, this Ist day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and eleven. Geo. Fowlds, Issued in Executive Council, For Minister of Public Works. J. F. Andrews, Clerk of the Executive Council.