H.-15

2

First, To inquire and report whether any Government road or roads within the meaning of the above-recited Resolution of the County Council of the County of Westland has or have been constructed which have caused a diminution in the receipts arising from any of the tramways mentioned in the Schedule hereto. Secondly, If it be found that the construction of such road or roads as aforesaid has or have caused a diminution in the receipts arising from all or any one or more of the tramways, then to inquire and report what sum (if any) is, in your opinion, justly and equitably due to the owners of such tramways in respect of which there has been such a diminution: And generally in the premises, and by all lawful ways and means, and subject as aforesaid, to examine and inquire into every matter and thing touching and concerning the premises, in such manner and at such time or times and at such place or places, as you shall deem expedient: Provided that any such inquiry may be adjourned by you from time to time or from place to place : And Ido hereby authorize and empower you to have before you and examine all books, papers, maps, plans, documents, and writings whatsoever, which you shall judge necessary or expedient, relating to the subject-matter of this inquiry or any part thereof: And also to have before you and examine on oath or otherwise, as may be allowed by law, all witnesses or persons (whether claimants or otherwise) whom you shall judge capable of affording you any information touching or concerning the premises : And Ido further require you within two months from the date of these presents, or as much sooner as the same can be conveniently done (using all diligence), to certify to me, under your hands and seals, your several proceedings, and your opinion touching the premises. And I do hereby declare that this Commission shall continue in full force and virtue, and that, subject to these presents, you, the said Commissioners, shall and may from time to time proceed in the execution thereof at such place or places, and at such time or times as aforesaid, as you shall judge convenient. And lastly, I do hereby declare that this Commission is and is intended to be issued subject to the provisions of "The Commissioners Powers Act, 1867," and " The Commissioners Powers Act Amendment Act, 1872." SCHEDULE. Hokitika and Greymouth Tramway. Marsden and Paroa Tramway. Greymouth and Paroa Tramway. Hokitika and Kanieri Tramway. Hokitika and Hauhau Tramway. Given under the hand of His Excellency the Most Honorable George Augustus Constantine, Marquis of Normanby, Earl of Mulgrave, Viscount Normanby, and Baron Mulgrave of Mulgrave, all in the County of York, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom; and Baron Mulgrave of New Ross, in the County of Wexford, in the Peerage of Ireland; a Member of Her Majesty's Most Honorable Privy Council; Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George; Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, and Vice-Admiral of the same; and issued under the Seal of the said Colony, at the Government House, at Auckland, this fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six. C. C. Bowen. Approved in Council. Eorster Goring, Clerk of the Executive Council.