D —No. Gn

48

PAPERS RELATING TO THE

miles 12i chains; also that I have seen the tenders received for the completion of No. 2 and 3 sections, No. 1 being nearly completed. I have approved of the plans and specifications, and have authorized the acceptance of the lowest tenders for sections 2 and 3, at sums respectively of £1,149 12s. and £2,757, both considerably below the estimated cost. I have also examined the drawings and specifications for the bridges and culverts proposed to be constructed on the above length, and approved of them, and have authorized the calling for tenders for their construction at once. I enclose copy of letter to His Honor the Superintendent, in which I have informed him of my approval of the plans and specifications, and the manner in which the contracts are being let, and authorizing the construction of the bridges according to the plans as prepared. I also enclose a statement of the work in progress, which describes the above works in detail. I have, &c, The Hon. W. Gisborne, Minister for Works, John Blackett. Wellington.

Enclosure 1 in No. 55. Mr. Blackett to His Honor W. Eolleston. Sir, — Eailway Engineer's Office, Christchurch, 21st February, 1871. I have the honor to state that 1 have examined the drawings and specifications for sections Nos. 1, 2, and 3, extending as far as the north bank of the south branch of the Eiver Waimakariri, a distance of 11 miles 12^ chains, and that I have also seen the tenders for sections Nos. 2 and 3. I beg to signify to your Honor my approval of the same, and the mode in which the Government are constructing the work, including the ordering of the permanent way, materials and girders for bridges. I have therefore authorized the acceptance of tenders for sections 2 and 3, at sums respectively of £1,149 12s. and £2,757, —No. 1 section being nearly completed, under contract already accepted and of which I approve. I have also examined the drawings and specifications of bridges and culverts proposed to be constructed on the above length, and have the honor to report that I approve of the general design and construction, and would approve of tenders being called at once for their construction. I have, &c, John Blackett, His Honor the Superintendent, Christchurch. Acting Engiueer-in-Chief.

Enclosure 2 in No. 55. Northern Railway. Section No. 1, from Addington to 2 miles 61 chains. Completed. —Fencing, farm crossing gates, and accommodation road gates. Earthwork and drains. In Progress. —Culverts and three minor bridges (culverts completed). Not Let. —Avon bridges (3), and some minor bridges ; road through Dean's estate, &c, with culverts for same. Section No. 2, from 2 miles 61 chains to 5 miles 51i chains. Contracted for.—Fencing, farm crossing gates, accommodation road gates, earthwork and drains, £1,149 12s. Not Let. —Styx Viaduct, for which plans are prepared. Section No. 3, from to Contracted for. —Fencing, farm and road (occupation) gates, earthwork and drains, £2,787. Not Let. —Bridge over south branch of Waimakariri, for which plans are prepared. Section No. 4, from to Plans, sections, &c, in progress. Viaduct over north branch of Waimakariri. Plans in progress, and will be ready for advertising in about a fortnight's time. N.B. —The iron girders for the above bridges are expected to arrive about the middle of March. 20th February, 1871. G. Thornton.

No. 56. Mr. Blackett to the Hon. W. Gisborne. Sir,— Public Works Office, Christchurch, 23rd February, 1871. I have the honor to inform you that I have authorized the Provincial Government of Canterbury to order wheels, axles, and ironwork for forty goods waggons for the Great Northern Eailway, the waggons themselves to be constructed on the railway premises here. A statement in detail by the General Manager of the railway shows that, if made in this way, they will cost £80 16s. Id., and if imported complete, ready made, £101 Bs. 10d., a difference in favour of the former method of £11 12s. 9d. on each waggon. I have to request that you will approve of the above authorizations, as it is necessary to have the waggons ordered in time for the completion of the Northern Line. I have, &c, The Hon. W. Gisborne, Minister for Works, John Blackett, Wellington. Acting Engineer-in-Chief.