D.—11.

per mile. The total estimate for the whole line to Lake Wanaka, 180 miles, amounts to £1,180,000. The highest point the line will attain above the sea-level, 2,070 feet, will be at a spur of the Rough Ridge, near road-crossing, eighty-seven miles from the junction. The ruling gradient does not exceed lin 50. This is on the part already constructed. The greater portion of the remainder is remarkably easy and free from sharp curves. It would prove to be the cheapest constructed line in the colony, its length being considered, and in our opinion it would not be the least remunerative. 29. The great advantage of the line forming a convenient means of access between the East and the West Coasts would be felt immediately on the line reaching Lake Wanaka, cheap water-carriage being then available for twenty miles, a steamer having been built and recently launched there through the enterprise of one of the settlers. There would thus be, after reaching the head of the lake, only a distance of forty miles, on a comparatively level road, to complete the through communication from sea to sea. 30. The nature of the country is such throughout the course of the line after reaching Taieri Lake that side traffic with the townships, five, ten, or fifteen miles distant from the railway, could be conveniently and economically carried on by means of light of tramways, or the improved road-engines liow coming into use. 31. As a whole, we have been deeply and favourably impressed both with the present and latent wealth of this important and magnificent district, and we cordially recommend the completion of the Otago Central Railway as not only being an absolute necessity for the prosperity of the existing population, but as in itself holding out every prospect of a lucrative return, and being certain to exercise a beneficial influence on the future progress of the colony. In our opinion it is a matter of colonial concern, which should be removed beyond the region of local jealousies or prejudices, and should command general support. We have, &c., John Bathgate. Henry Clark. Donald Reid. Dunedin, Ist June, 1881. Horace Bastingb.

By Authority : G-bobgb Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBl.

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