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99

The following ere the regulations governing the granting of concessions :— The request for a concession must contain — (a.) A statement of the objects sought, the public advantages, method of connection with existing lines, canals, roads, &c, and the affect likely to be produced thereon. (6.) Detailed estimate. (c.) Eates and charges proposed, and estimated revenue, based on these. ] (d.) Suggested conditions upon which the work is to be carried out. (c.) Ordnance map showing route (about 25 chains = 1 in.). (/.) General plan of district, showing line, sidings, crossovers, &c, to be built (about 3 chains = 1 in.). (g.) Special plan for each portion of line in urban districts (about 16 ft. = 1 in.). oi.) Longitudinal section of line, with levels. (».)• Detail plans of larger structures, type of rail, &c. The plants and other particulars shall be advertised by exhibition in every communal hall concerned for a fortnight, and the Mayor and Councillors shall receive any comments by the public. The witnesses shall supply signed declarations, which shall be embodied in the report which the Mayor and Council shall draw up (based upon the evidence and their own opinion) within eight days of the close of the fortnight before mentioned. On receipt of the communal reports the society shall consider them, draw up its own conclusions, and forward the whole within a fortnight to the Minister of Railways, Posts and Telegraphs. The Minister may make such changes in the scheme as after inquiry he deems advisable, and if the changes are extensive, such as altering the route or position of lines within town areas, he may, if he considers it necessary, order a fresh inquiry, which shall he held as at first, but for a period of eight days instead of fourteen. After being satisfied by all due inquiry the Minister shall definitely approve the works and the conditions upon which the work is to be carried out. The general conditions upon which concessions are granted to the National Society are as follows :— Construction. (a.) The vicinal railway and all subsidiary works shall be constructed in accordance with the plans attached to the Act of Concession, and any detail plans subsequently approved by the Minister. (6.) The National Society shall take such measures as will prevent any interference with the How of waters, constructing, if necessary, new ditches, sewers, &c. (c.) Similar provision re public and private roads and access. (d.) Safeguards public (during construction temporary roads, &c). (c.) Only good materials shall be used, and all work shall be done in workmanlike manner and under expert supervision. (/.) Further safeguards public (dangers to be lighted and fenced, &c). Also gives power for alterations after Minister's authority is obtained, and empowers Minister to order modification without cost to the State if «uch appears necessary as the work proceeds. (g.) Roads to be widened if necessary. (h.) If land is to be taken proceedings to be in accordance with Public Works Act. Maintenance. (a.) The society shall properly maintain —(1) The vicinal line and all its appurtenances for the periods of the concession; (2) all subsidiary works not directly connected with the railway (such as road-diversions, &c), whether made at the inception of the scheme or at any later date, for a period of one year. (b.) Local bodies have right to alter streets traversed by vicinal railway, either in grade, sections, paving, &c, or to lay drains, &c, on them, and the society shall assist by taking up and relaying its line and, if necessary, suspending its traffic without cost to the local body. (c), (d), (c), (/), (g) require repairs of various kinds of paving to be carried out in accordance with recognized methods. (h.) When any structures ace altered, strengthened, or enlarged the division of the future maintenance shall be arranged between the authorities controlling them and the society, amicably if possible, when the conditions must be submitted for approval to the Minister; or, if agreement is impossible, then the matter shall be settled by the Minister, who will decide finally the liabilities of each. (i.) If works are not satisfactorily maintained, the Government may carry out necessary works after two notices at three days' interval, or, in case of urgency, on one notice, at the expense of the society and without prejudice to further proceedings against the society as provided for in the regulations, either for neglect or for damages caused by accidents due to neglect. Working. (a.) Each line or section thereof shall only be opened by Minister's authority; granted after receipt of a report stating that the line may be safely and conveniently used (as in New Zealand). (6.) At any time the Minister may condemn plant considered unfit for use. (c.) Locomotives must be passed by authorities corresponding to our Inspectors of Machinery and Tramways Inspecting Engineer before being used. (d.) The society is responsible to the Government for the proper maintenance of everything indispensable to the working, whether it directly undertakes the working or leases out the same.