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Without knowing something of the proposed railway system, particularly the grades, distances lo centres of production, nature of traffic, exact figures are impossible. I have assumed l-in-40 grades, one length of railway 50 miles long, stations about 2 miles apart, all furnishing traffic ; that business enough to pay 5 per cent, interest will be available, and that an average rate of 6d. per tonmile may be charged on goods. Though 20 Ib. pel' lineal yard rails were used for war purposes, I would strongly recommend 30 lb. (or heavier) as more economical where passenger traffic is to be run, and have figured accordingly. 1 estimate approximate oosts as under: Cost per Mile, NI , -~ • ~,i ~ . ' Normal Prices. 1919 Prices. £ £ Land, earthworks, bridges, culverts, fencing .. .. 860 840 301b. rails, fish-plates, bolts, spikes .. .. .. 1,150 580 Ballast, sleepers, laying rails .. .. .. .. 600 6(H) Station buildings and equipment .. .. .. 200 175 Rolling-stock .. .. .. .. .. .. 600 350 Engineering expenses .. .. .-. .. .. 150 150 £3,560 £2,695 If roads are followed and railway built at the side, up to £400 per mile might be saved. If 20 Ib. rails were used, £180 per mile would be saved in normal times and £380 now. Assuming roads ate made use of in parts, the average cost per mile of railway fully equipped may be taken as £2,500 in normal times and £3,400 now. The cost of material to be obtained in England would normally be, per mile, £950, and at present prices £1,850. If you require my services in connection with any purchases, I expect to be in England till towards the end of August. 11. V.ICKKRMAN. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister of New Zealand, London.

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liy Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l9.

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