H.—2e

1880. NEW ZEALAND.

SUPPLY OF GALVANIZED IRON (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO A).

Betum to an Order of the House of Representatives, dated sth August, 1880. " That there be laid on the table a return of the correspondence between the Stores Department, Christchurch, and Mr. Conyers, Mr. A. D. Smith, and Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach, relative to a supply of galvanized iron."— (Mr. WrigM.)

No. 1. Memorandum for Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach. Please supply 460 sheets galvanized corrugated iron, 8 feet; 153 sheets galvanized corrugated iron, 9 feet; 427 sheets galvanized corrugated iron, 6 feet; 2 bars iron, square, 2 inches (delivered). New Zealand Eailways, Stores Department, Walter V. Stevens, Christchurch, 18th June, 1880. Storekeeper.

No. 2. Memorandum for Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach. On the 18th instant I ordered per S/4/322 a quantity of galvanized corrugated iron. As none of it has yet been delivered, I have to request that delivery be made forthwith, or it will be purchased elsewhere on your account. New Zealand Eailways, Stores Department, Walter V. Stevens, Christchurch, 24th June, 1880. Storekeeper.

No. 3. Mr. T. 0. Kelset to Mr. W. V. Stevens. Dear Sir, — Christchurch, 25th June, 1880. In reply to your memorandum 686/80, we have to explain with respect to this order that the iron is for construction works, which ought therefore to be supplied by the contractor for the work in question. The contractor for the supply of railway stores could never have contemplated demands for such purposes, and their contracts merely apply for stores required for the repairs to be done by the Government railway workshops. I have, &c, Thomas O. Kelset, Manager, Walter V. Stevens, Esq. (for Guthrie and Larnach.)

Mr. W. V. Stevens to the Stores Manager, Middle Island. Stores Manager, Middle Island. The above letter is in reply to mine to Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach, requesting to be informed why they had not delivered galvanized iron as per attached order. The iron in question is requisitioned for by the Locomotive Engineer for new workshops at Addington. I await your instructions. Walter V. Stevens, 25th June, 1880. Storekeeper.

No. 4. Mr. E. Carrow to Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach. Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach. Please note that the work for which this galvanized iron is required, as per Storekeeper's order of 18th June, is not being performed under contract, but by the locomotive department. All material required for railway works on railway ground has to be supplied under contract, and, if you decline to furnish this material, we shall have to purchase it elsewhere at your expense. The iron is wanted immediately. E. Cabrow, 25th June, 1880. Stores Manager; I—H. 2e.