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The line to Hastings stops a little more than a chain short of what was originally intended. The branch to Anderson's Bay was originally intended by the promoters to have been made to Portobello, but it was only authorized to be made as far as Anderson's Bay. C. Y. O'Connor, The Chairman, Public Accounts Committee. Under-Secretary for Public Works.

The Mayor of Dunedin to the Chaibman, Public Accounts Committee. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 10th August, 1886. Hope Government will see its way to take over Ocean Beach line, as it will greatly benefit citizens in many ways. - ■ John Babnes, The Chairman, Public Accounts Committee. Mayor of Dunedin.

BE KAMO COAL. Memorandum. —With reference to the report of the 28th July herewith, the coal from the Whauwhau Mine is the same quality as that reported upon.—E. Mitchelson.—3rd August, 1886. S.S. "Hinemoa," Wellington, 28th July, 1886.—The Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington.—Sir,—l have much pleasure in reporting favourably on the last quantity of Kamo coal received on board the " Hinemoa," at the end of May last. I have used Kamo coal in different steamers for the last six years ; and can say, without doubt, the last was by far the best I have ever used from that mine, and, if well screened, will compare most favourably with most of tho other New Zealand coals.—l have, &c, W. G. Loddeb, engineer, s.s. " Hinemoa." 1 quite agree with Mr. Lodder as to the quality of the last lot of Kamo coal we got for the "Hinemoa." When using that coal the " Hinemoa " steamed quite as well as if she had been using Bay of Islands coal.—John Faibchild.

tion to purchase the lines of district railway referred to the Committee on tho sth July (on your motion), provided the Committee recommend the prices as suitable. The Committee adjourned till eleven to-morrow, pending your reply, in order that they might come to a final conclusion. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works. P. J. Moss.

The Hon. Minister for Public Woeks to the Chairman, Public Accounts Committee. (Memo.) The Government referred this matter to your Committee with a view of getting its opinion as to whether or no it would be judicious to purchase these lines. 10th August, 1886. Edwaed Richaedson.

Authority: Geoege Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington,—lBB6.