1.—4.

24

To make the channel comparatively straight, it will be necessary to remove two overtopping points or spits, composed of boulders of various sizes, but nearly all loose and portable ; these can be removed best by barges, and discharged at convenient spots on the banks of the river. The removal of certain obstructions in the deep basin opposite the mine is of paramount importance, and a depth of at least 7 feet should be obtained at the lowest spring tides prior to the discontinuance of operating on those dangers. The largest stones in the channel should also be removed, particularly those on the fall where the river has to be crossed, which is the shallowest water between the bar and the mine ; this place should be well cleared. When these works are completed, the river navigation will be pretty safe for suitable vessels with careful commanders. The draught of water for Ngakawau, all the year round, should not exceed 5 feet, but as no steamers that carry sufficiently are available of that draught, you must do with what is available at. present. But nothing drawing over 6 feet, or G feet G inches deeply laden, should be purchased. A paddle boat with disconnecting engine is the proper vessel for the Ngakawau, or else a twin screw, but the paddle is preferable. I have, &c, S. A. Leech, To the Directors of the Albion Coal Mining Harbour Master, Westport. Company.

No. 4. Mr. C. D. Dobson to His Honor 0. Curtis. Sir, — Provincial Engineer's Office, Nelson, 14th July, 1873. I have the honor to hand you the following Memorandum upon the Mount Frederick coal seams : — The chief outcrops are about a mile and a half south of the Ngakawau Eiverand outside the block leased to the Albion Company, and are found at elevations varying from 1,000 to 1,500 feet above sea level. Although the Company's lease is of great value from its being immediately available, I do not consider it to be so valuable, taken acre for acre, as the land on the plateau, where the coal seams are more regular, less broken, and lie nearly horizontal. The plateau can be easily worked by tramways on easy gradients carrying the coal to the seaward face of the mountain, and lowered with self-acting inclines to the level ground about two miles south of the Ngakawau Eiver, from whence it can be taken either to the Ngakawau or Buller for shipment. The fact of the company holding the lease for the lower ground cannot in any respect interfere with or prejudice the working of the plateau. I have, &c, C. D. Dobson, Provincial Engineer. His Honor the Superintendent, Nelson.

No. 4a. Mr. JonN Blackett, Assistant Chief Engineer to the Government of New Zealand, appeared before the Committee, and was requested to give his opinion as to the transit of coal for shipment from Mount liochfort and back country. Mr. Blackett stated that he was of opinion that coal might bo brought down from Mount Rochfort and back country partly by self-acting inclines, and partly by steam power; the trucks running on such lines might be used on the railways. That shifting coal from small to large trucks would not be so serious as might at first appear. That wire tramways could not be worked to advantage, for^thc reason that the quantity so brought down would be very small as compared to railway carriage. As regards improvement to harbour of adjacent coast, he was of opinion that suitable stone might be procured at distances of from seven to nine miles ; that is, in view of the railway being constructed, along the proposed line of which the stone is to be found.

No. 5. From Mr. Acton Adams, in reply to Chairman requesting copy of Articles of Association and List of Shareholders of Albion Company. Would gladly forward articles, but they are not finished yet. —Acton Adams.

No. 6. Mr. B. McKinnt to Mr. J. Siieehan. Sir,— Mahurangi, 11th August, 1873. As you are anxious to get information regarding European flax, my friend Mr. Palmer, knowing that I come from the most flax-growing part of Ireland, has suggested to me the writing of a note to you on the subject. I may say, then, that in my opinion there is no country in the world better fitted for the growth of European "flax than New Zealand —at all events, this northern part of it. I believe, indeed, that