45

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APPENDIX F.

TELEGRAMS FROM CHAIRMAN, BROGDEN" CLAIMS COMMITTEE, WITH REPLIES THERETO. 14th August, 1882. W. Reeves, Esq., Christehurch. —I am directed to ask you to inform the Committee, by telegram, whether you remember the circumstances attending the passing of " The Government Contractors Arbitration Act, 1,872," sufficiently to say whether or not Mr. James Brogden was fully acquainted with the provisions of the Act in the shape in which it finally passed. Sections 28 and 31 are alleged by Bi'ogdens to have been introduced without their knowledge, whilst the Government side allege that Brogdens must have had full knowledge, but must have forgotten it. Please send collect telegram, of such length as you may deem necessary. E. C. J. Stevens, Chairman. Christehurch, 14th August, 1882. Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, Chairman, Brogden Claims Committee.—Strong impression remains on my mind that Brogdens were well acquainted with all the provisions of Government Contractors Arbitration Bill. As long as I remained in office I took great interest in the Bill, which really originated with me; but Stafford Government, which followed, had to carry the Bill through the House. lam nearly sure they made no alterations in the Bill, and, that being so, am quite satisfied that James Brogden was fully acquainted with all its provisions, as he was very careful to study all measures affecting his interests. W. Reeves. 14th August, 1882. J. Henry Lowe, Esq., C.E., Dunedin. —I am directed to ask you to be good enough to inform the Committee, by wire, on the following points. Can you explain the circumstances under which the Oamaru-Moeraki Railway contract was taken over from Messrs Brogden and Sons, and whether penalties were exacted for non-completion of contract when the delays in carrying out such contract were caused by the action of the Government. E. C. J. Stevens, Chairman. Dunedin, 15th August, 1882. Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, Chairman, Brogden Claims Committee, Wellington. —I know the circumstances of taking over Oamaru-Moeraki railway from contractors. Am not aware that penalties were exacted for non-completion of contract; but deductions were made for unfinished works, which was finished by Government afterwards. Am aware contractors allege delays were caused by Government, but not aware that they can prove it, nor that it was even admitted. J. Hekiiy Lowje. 14th August, 1882. Hon. E. Richardson, Christchurch. —1 am directed to ask you to be good-enough to inform the Committee, by wire, on the following points : Can you explain the circumstances under which the OamaruMoeraki Railway Contract was taken over from Messrs. Brogden and Sons, and whether penalties were deducted for non-completion of contract when the delays in carrying out such contract were caused by the action of the Government ? E. C. J. Stetens, Chairman. Christchurch, 15th August, 1882. Hon. E. C. J. Stevens, Chairman, Brogden Claims Committee.—Not having the records of the Public Works Office to refer to, I cannot give you satisfactory answer to your inquiries of yesterday. Edwd. EiCHAitisoiir.

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