P.—No. 22.

8

ENGINEERS' ESTIMATES AND CONTRACTS

OFFERS TO CONSTRUCT RAILWAYS. (Telegram.) Port Chalmers, 28th October, 1871. We agree construct 50 to 500 miles railway for Colonial Debentures bearing 5i cent, or cash payments. Price settled arbitration. Agreement without 5 cent, for profit, and agree pay cash deposit of 2rJ cent, on amount up £200,000, over that amount §nd up to one million £ cent, or reasonable cash security Government would insist on, or are prepared compete for any length railway by public tender, and pay any cash security required. As proof we mean business, are prepared forthwith deposit preliminary security £10,000 credit Government. Thomas Connoe, James McKay, Hon. Minister Public Works, Wellington. David Pkottdeoot.

Sic, — Empire Hotel, Wellington, 4th November, 1871. Eeferring to our offer of the 28th ult., we have the honor to ask the Government if, in the event of the price per mile or section to be submitted by the Government to the Messrs. Brogden for the construction of railways in New Zealand should be deemed inadequate by these gentlemen, will the Government favour us by submitting the same railway work for our acceptance ? We may inform the Government we have a large amount of temporary railway plant available, and from our local knowledge and practical experience as contractors,, we feel quite convinced we are in a position to construct railways in New Zealand with advantage to the Government and ourselves. A cash security to the extent named in our offer of the 28th ult., or an increased security should the Government desire it, would be at once lodged to the credit of the Government. We have, <&c., The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Connoe, McKay, and Peottdtoot.

(Telegram.) 11th December, 1871. I am directed by the Hon. Mr. Eeeves to inform you that Government are of opinion that, beyond the amount included in the resolution with regard to Messrs. Brogden, all railways should, as a rule, be contracted for by public tender: John Knowles, Messrs. Connor, McKay, and Proudfoot, Dunedin. Under Secretary for Public Works.

(Telegram.) Sib,— Dunedin, 15th May, 1872. We herewith offer to construct all railways in New Zealand, whether main or coal lines, either with or without rolling stock, in strict accordance with plans and specifications at prices 10 per cent, under your Engineer's estimated schedule cost per mile, or we will make all railways in Otago at 12| per cent, under estimated cost, or will compete by public tender for any length of line your Government may call for, and will agree to accept payment for above in Colonial Debentures at par, bearing 5J per cent., or, should you elect, monthly cash progress payments on the certificate of the Government Engineer. We may state we are in a position to construct two hundred miles of railway per annum ; and should this offer be accepted, we will furnish to your Government any adequate security they may deem desirable, and would be prepared to commence work within one month after contracts being signed. Trusting this offer may receive the favourable consideration of your Government, James Eoebest and Co. The Hon. the Minister for Eailways, Wellington.

Gentlemen,— Public Works Office, "Wellington, 29th May, 1872. In reply to your telegram of the 15th instant, in which you make proposals for the constructing of the railway lines about to be undertaken in various parts of the Colony, I am instructed by Mr. Ormond to inform you, that all railways not offered to Messrs. Brogden and Sons in terms of their contract will be submitted to public tender. I have, &c, John Knowles, James Forrest and Co., Dunedin. Under Secretary.

(Telegram.) a Dunedin, 13th June, 1872. Having heard that you entertain a doubt as to the bond fides of our offer sent you 13th ultimo, we have simply to repeat that we are fully prepared to fulfil every condition contained therein. The Hon. the Minister of Eailways, Wellington. Eoekest and Co.

Gentlemen,—- Public Works Office, Wellington, 14th June, 1872. I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 13th instant, in which, for the reason therein given, you repeat the offer for the construction of all the Colonial lines of railway made in your telegram of the 15th May.