E.—3

1878. NEW ZEALAND. MESSRS. BROGDEN'S CLAIMS. CORRESPONDENCE AND MEMORANDA RESPECTING " THE CONTRACTORS ARBITRATION ACT, 1872," AND "THE CROWN REDRESS ACT, 1877."

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. No. 1. The Seceetaby for the Colonies to His Excellency the G-oveenob. My Loed, — Downing Street, 18th January, 1878. I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter which has heen addressed to me by Messrs. John Brogden and Sons, in reference to the contracts entered into by them with the Government of New Zealand. Messrs. Brogden and Sons appear to complain that an Act —" The Government Contractors Arbitration Act, 1872," —which in its nature was a private Act, was passed by the Legislature of New Zealand without those notices having been given to them which are prescribed in the case of all private Acts, for the protection of individuals affected thereby; and I have therefore to request that you will bring the case under the consideration of your Ministers. Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, I have, &c, G.C.M.G. Caenaeyon. (Enclosure.) Messrs. John Beogden and Sons to the Colonial Office. Sic, — 21, Queen Anne's Gate, "Westminster, 15th January, 1878. We have the honor to enclose herewith a short resume of the facts in connection with the contracts for the construction of railways in New Zealand which we undertook, under agreements through the Government of New Zealand, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen ; as also copy of a memorial proposed to be presented to the House of Representatives of that colony for inquiry and relief in respect of an emigration agreement. We beg to draw the attention of Her Majesty's Government to the grave and serious injustice we now suffer under from the retention of such large sums of money, and no hearing is possible without great delay and expense to the colony and ourselves. Whereas we submit that by a speedy hearing and settlement, which the original arbitration clause insured, a mutual benefit would be the result. One of our firm will, at great inconvenience, proceed to the colony at once, so as to confer with the Government of New Zealand as to the most desirable arrangements to be made for both interests. "We beg most earnestly that an inquiry may be recommended by Her Majesty's Government into the above cases, and that such intimation may be made by the outgoing mail to New Zealand on Friday next. "We have, &c, "W. E. Malcolm, Esq. John Bbogden and Sons. (Sub-Enclosure 1.) 21, Queen Anne's Gate, "Westminster, 15th January, 1878. Messes. John Brogden and Sons entered into the following contracts for the construction of railways with the Governor of New Zealand, on behalf of the Queen, at the dates named : — Auckland and Mercer ... ... ... ... 10th August, 1872. Napier and Pakipaki ... ... ... ... 10th August, 1872. Wellington and Hutt ... ... ... ... 10th August, 1872. Picton and Blenheim ... ... ... ... 10th August, 1872. Dunedin and Clutha... ... ... .... ... 10th August, 1872. Invercargill and Mataura ... ... ... ... 10th August, 1872. I—E. 3.