D.—2b.

BOLLING-STOCK. We inspected as much as we could of the rolling-stock, as it was impossible to see all of it, but what is inspected is a fair sample of all we succeeded in examining—77 per cent, of the locomotives, 81 per cent, of the carriages, and 74 per cent, of the wagons. The observations made on the condition of the stock of the North Island applies precisely to that of the South. By constant resort to the repairing-shop the whole of the stock is kept in excellent running condition , no parts, either of timber, iron, or wheels, is allowed more than a certain life before it is sent to the shops and renewed, and in this way the stock cannot deteriorate to any serious extent. All the engines we saw were in excellent running order and thorough repair The boilers and wheels suffer most from use, and these are constantly inspected and repaired. We found the upholstery of carriages in very good condition, and carriages are all kept clean and neat. The stores which we inspected are described at the stations where they are kept. William H. Hales. 7th June, 1895. C. Napieb Bell. Approximate Cost of Paper, —Preparation, not given; printing (1,550 copies), £28145.

By Authority: Samuel Costalli, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9s. Price Is.]

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