D.—G

188 G. NEW ZEALAND.

WAIMEA PLAINS RAILWAY (FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO PROPOSED PURCHASE OF). [In Continuation of D.-5a, 1885.]

Presented to both Houses' of the General, Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

1. Mr. Cuthbert Cowan to Sir Julius Yogel. (Telegram.) Dipton, 11th November, 1885. Waimea directors have accepted me as medium negotiate sale of line. Inform Minister of Public Works I meet them on 17th, in Dunedin. Any suggestions before that will have attention. Cuthbert Cowan.

2. Sir Julius A'ooel to Mr. Cuthbert Cowan, M.H.R. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 11th November, 1885. I have scut copy of your telegram to Minister Public Worts, requesting him if he has any answer to make to send it you direct. Julius Vogel.

3. The Hon. the Minister for Public Works to Mr. CuTiihert Cowan, M.H.R. (Telegram.) Wellington, llfch November, 1885. Your telegram to Sir Julius forwarded to mc. I shall be very glad to receive any communication from you on behalf of the Waimea Railway Company, and submit it to the consideration of the Government. Edward Richardson.

4. Mr. Cuthbert Cowan, M.H.R., to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 23rd December, 1883. Have got offer of Waimea line for one month for .6108,000, and some stiff conditions. Price will return money invested without interest or profit. Offer by first mail. Cuthbert Cowan.

5. Mr. Cuthbert Cowan, M.H.R.. to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Sir, — Benmore, 24th December, 1885. I have the honour to enclose the terms and conditions on which the Waimea Plains Railway Company is prepared, for one month from yesterday, to part with their line and its equipment. In this matter I ask your earnest consideration, and that a decision upon the question should be come to in a full Cabinet. The price quoted is under £3,000 a mile for a going line which is of consideration to the Government to possess. The company is determined to hold on to the property unless their capital is returned without interest. In the price quoted I gather there is an amount of £7,000 charged for interest during construction. In the offer a provision is made that the accuracy of the amount may be substantiated by an Auditor appointed by the Government. The three years' rates covered by Bill of last session and the current year's rates the company insist upon getting, or an equivalent. I trust the Government will consider the case of these people, and, if possible, reduce the amount of their liability. I—D. 6.