D.—No. 8,

No. 1. From Mr. Maude to Mr. Kennaway. The Canterbury Branch Eailways. Memo. Will you be so good as to remind his Honor the Superintendent that, at the personal interview which tools: place between the Hon. Mr. Eeeves, His Honor the Superintendent, and yourself, on the subject of the Branch Railways, steps were to be taken to invite the Provincial Council to express its opinion as to which lines should have priority in course of construction. Thomas Wm. Maude, Secretary. Eesident Minister's Office, Christchurch, 12-1-72.

No. 2. From his Honor the Superintendent to the Hon. Mr. Eeeyes. Superintendent's Office, Christchurch, Canterbury, N.Z., 22nd January, 1872. Sic, Eeferring to the conversations which I have had with you on the subject of the construction of Branch Lines of Eailway in this Province, I have the honour to forward herewith copy of Eesolutions passed by the Provincial Council during the late Session relating to that subject. I have, &c, W. Eolleston, Superintendent. Enclosure in No. 2. Provincial Council Chambers, 15th January, 1872. Eesolutions passed'—That with reference to the contributions voted by this Council towards the construction of certain Branch Eailway Lines within the Province, the Council is of opinion:— 1. That if the General Government undertake their construction the amounts thus voted should be paid over by the Provincial Government in proportion to the respective contributions of the two Governments, as defined in " The Eailways Act, 1871," as and when works involving their construction are contracted for. 2. That the construction of the several Branch Lines of Bailway should be proceeded with simultaneously. , 3. The Council has also appropriated the sum of £5000 towards the construction of a Branch Line from the Washdyke to the Point in the Timaru District on the same terms as may be agreed upon for the construction of the above-mentioned Branch Lines.

No. 3. (Telegram.) From Hon. Mr. Eeeyes to Mr. Matide. The surveys of Branch Eailways having been commenced, and the rails ordered, you must call on the Government to pay Fifteen Thousand Pounds on account in accordance with conditions agreed to. 6th March 1872. W. Eeeyes.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO CANTERBURY BRANCH RAILWAYS.