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NORTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY COMMITTEE (REPORT OF, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS, EVIDENCE, AND APPENDIX.)

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, the 12th Day op September, 1884. Ordered, "That a Select Committee be appointed, to consist of seven members, to consider and report on the best route for the North Island Trunk Railway ; that the Committee consist of members from the Middle Island only; that it have power to call for persons and papers ; that three members constitute a quorum ; that it report to tho House within fourteen days from the time of its appointment; and that tho Government be requested to submit to the House without delay the names of said Committee."— (Mr. Lake.) Ordered, "That the Select Committee on the North Island Trunk Railway consist of the following members: Mr. Fergus, Mr. Fulton, Mr. Gore, Mr. Larnach, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. W. White, and the mover."— (Hon. Mr. Richardson.)

Friday, the 19th Day op September, 1884. Ordered, " That the petition of John Eliott and others bo referred to tho North Island Main Trunk Railway ■ Committee." — (Mr. Turnbull.)

Friday, the 26th Day op September, 1884. Ordered, " That the North Island Main Trunk Railway Committee have leave to postpone making their report for one week."— (Hon. Mr. Eichardson.)

Friday, the 3bd Day op October, 1884. Ordered, " That tho North Island Main Trunk Railway Committee have leave to postpone making their repor for one week."— (Son. Mr. Richardson.)

EBPOKT. Youe Committee met, in accordance with the order of reference made by the House, on the 13th day of September, and held daily sittings until it had taken all evidence available. Your Committee held nineteen meetings, and examined thirty-four witnesses ; and the following resolution was arrived at: — To recommend the central route from Marton to Te Awamutu as the best for the North Island Trunk Eailway. Your Committee attach hereto a full report of their proceedings, and all the .evidence, both oraLand documentary, that they have taken. E. Richardson, 9th October, 1884. Chairman.

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