CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAYS.

9

D.—No. G.

ment is made with them for the construction, I shall not have any claim upon the Government for the work done by Mr. Brunlees beyond that contained in his letter. I believe that Mr. Brunlees and Mr. Fox have arrived at an understanding, and that Mr. Brunlees has made his offer in conjunction with Mr. Fox. If therefore there is anything in which the terms offered by Mr. Fox are more favourable, you can accept them as my proposal. I have, &c, J. Morrison, Esq., London. Alex. Beogden.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure 3 in No. 3. Mr. Beunlees to Mr. Beogden, M.P. Sie, — 5, Victoria Street, Westminster, 18th November, 1870. I am willing to undertahe the necessary surveys for a system of railways in New Zealand on the following terms : — I will send out to represent me an engineer competent in every respect to advise with the Government authorities as to the system which may be best adapted to the commercial wants of the country and to its physical conformation, —the Government, immediately on the arrival of my representative, to enter upon the consideration of these questions, and to determine, without loss of time, the direction of the lines of railway. The survey of such lines to be at once commenced and carried on at the rate of not less than 200 miles a year, and the completed plans, sections, and reports to be deposited with the Government on or before the expiration of such time from the date of the commencement of the survey. In consideration of this, the Government to pay to me the sum of £65 per mile, such payments to be made on the completion of each fifty miles of survey. It is understood that this price shall include all trial surveys, &c, requisite to determine the best route for one line between the same places ; but should the Government desire the plans and sections of alternative routes between the same places, they shall be paid for separately. In case of the surveys being stopped by the Government, from any cause, the expenses of my staff shall be paid by the Government during such stoppage; and in case the surveys shall not be resumed, their salaries for six months, and the cost of their passage home, shall be defrayed by the Government. Should the Government cause any delay beyond one month after the arrival of my representative in the country before the direction of any line is determined upon, the salaries and expenses of the Btaff shall be paid until such decision is arrived at. It is understood that the total number of miles to be surveyed, at the rate of £65 per mile, shall be not fewer than 250, and that tho Government provides for their prosecution at a not less rate than 200 miles per annum. I shall also be willing, at the proper time, to engage to perform the engineering necessary for their construction, including all expenses, at 5 per cent, on the cost of the works. I have, &c, Alex. Brogden, Esq., M.P. James Beunlees.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure 3 in No. 3. Mr. Beunlees to Mr. Fox. Sie, — 5, Victoria Street, Westminster, 18th November, 1870. In reference to the conversation we had the other day with regard to the surveying of lines in New Zealand, I am quite willing .to join Mr. Chas. Douglas Fox (your brother) and yourself in any surveys the Government of that country may intrust to either of us, on equal terms —that is, you take one-half the responsibility and I take the other half. I have, &c, Francis Fox, Esq. James Beunlees. I hereby accept the above for myself and brother, Mr. Charles Douglas Fox. Feancis Fox, 6, Delahay Street.

No. 4 Mr. Mobeison to the Hon. W. Gisbobne. Office of the New Zealand Government Agency, Sie,— 3, Adelaide Place, King William Street, London, 30th December, 1870. Referring to my letter No. 783, of 22nd November, 1870, transmitting copy of correspondence which passed between Mr. Brogden, M.P., and myself relative to the proposal made by him with regard to the surveys for the proposed railways in New Zealand, I have the honor, in continuation thereof, to enclose herewith copies of further letters received from Mr. Brogden. From these letters you will perceive that Mr. Brogden has resolved upon sending out a gentleman to represent him to the Government, and for this purpose has selected Mr. Henderson, who is expected to be ready to proceed to the Colony by the mail of next month. I beg to point out to the Government that Mr. Brogden undertakes this step entirely at his own risk and responsibility, being doubtless influenced by his proposals of the 10th ultimo having met with the approval of the Hon. F. Dillon Bell. I likewise enclose copy of a telegram I addressed to Mr. Bell, at Galle, on the 23rd instant, acquainting him with Mr. Brogden's resolution. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. John Mobeison. 2