1.—12

2

That, in the opinion of your Committee, it is expedient that a survey of the line should be made with as little delay as possible, in order to determine whether it affords a practicable route for the construction of the proposed railway. Tour Committee append copies of the minutes of their proceedings in this matter, together with the evidence taken thereon, and beg to recommend that the same be printed. W. T. L. Travers, 22nd October, 1877. Chairman.

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Thuesday, 16th August, 1877. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 11 o'clock a.m. Peesent: Mr. Ballance, Hon. Mr. Eichardson, Mr. Bunny, Mr. Travers. Order of reference, dated 9th August, was read. • Resolved, on the motion of Mr. Bunny, That Mr. Travers do take the chair. Resolved, That the evidence of Mr. J. G-. Holdsworth be taken. Mr. J. Gt. Holdsworth attended and was examined, and notes of his evidence were taken by the clerk. Mr. Holdsworth received the thanks of the Committee and withdrew. Mr. G-. A. Beere was examined, and notes of his evidence were taken by the clerk. The Committee then adjourned until Tuesday, the 21st August, at 11 a.m.

Tuesday 21st August, 1877. There being no quorum present the meeting lapsed.

Wednesday, 22nd August, 1877. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 11 o'clock. Peesent: Mr. Travers in the chair. Mr. Bunny, Mr. Eeader Wood. Hon. Mr. Ormond, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Sir William Pitzherbert attended to give evidence, which was duly taken down by reporter in attendance. Mr J. D. Baird attended and gave evidence, which was taken down by reporter. The Committee then adjourned until Tuesday, 28th August, at 11 o'clock.

Tuesday, 28th August, 1877. There being no quorum present the meeting lapsed.

Feiday, 31st Auuust, 1877. The Committee met pursuant to notice at 10.30 o'clock. Present: Mr. Travers in the chair. Mr. Bunny, Hon. Mr. Eichardson. The minutes of the previous meetings were read and confirmed. The Chairman stated to the Committee that he had applied for and obtained leave of the House for an extension of the time for fourteen days in which to bring up their report. Order of reference, dated 22nd August, was read. Mr. Bichard Smith, being in attendance, was examined, and notes of his evidence were taken by the clerk. The Committee then adjourned.