CONSTRUCTION OE RAILWAYS.

D.—No. Gr.

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payment for the railway works in land in that district at the rate of one acre for every pound expended in these works. As the principle of payment inland for portions of the intended railways has already been affirmed by the Assembly, we need not enlarge on the many advantages of this mode over others in a country where land is plentiful and money scarce. At the same time, we may be permitted to remark that we agree with the Government in that the real colonization and permanent settlement of the country will be more economically, speedily, and efficiently carried out under this system than under any other, more especially if dealt with in the way we propose to deal with the lands that may be acquired by us. The economy of this method will be apparent from the fact that we would survey and subdivide all the land at our own expense, thus saving to Government the whole cost of surveys and otherwise dealing with it. Land being at present unproductive, our taking it in lieu of money would prove a double profit to the country. It would save the commission and other charges connected with the raising of money, and also the payment of interest on sum paid up before being actually required, and, by increasing the population and productiveness of the country, would provide for the profitable employment of the railways. In order that the country may be settled on as speedily as possible, we intend to commence the surveying and subdividing of the land set apart for us as soon as the railway line is fixed on, and to dispose of same not only to those who may be engaged on the railway works but to others, so that the real work of colonization may be carried on completely in all its branches simultaneously. That the settlement of the country may be done efficiently as well as speedily, it is our intention to circulate large numbers of our land maps, with popularly-written essays on the facilities connected with the acquisition of land, and the many advantages to be derived from settling in such a country as New Zealand, more especially during the time that such extensive public works are being carried on. AYe would appoint agents in the chief towns in Europe ; also in Australia and America, more particularly in the latter countries, as by so doing we would secure a number of enterprising and experienced colonists without delay. AYe are aware that in South Australia there are large numbers of industrious settlers anxious to leave on account of their lands being exhausted. Our first care would be to induce as many of these to come over as possible. Believing that to settle a country efficiently it is necessary that the people coming to it should follow a large variety of occupations, therefore we would offer every encouragement to mechanics and manufacturers to come over. To induce settlers to engage in the manufacture of flax, iron, and other Native products, would be one of our chief aims, and we would aid them in every possible way by setting apart and granting sites specially adapted for such industries. In subdividing the land, due care would be taken to reserve sites for churches, mechanics' institutes, and other public purposes. In fact, as it would be the interest of a company to have the lands Bpeedily and profitably occupied, we would bestow great attention on this subject, and would also work heartily with the Government in striving to obtain the desired end. Hoping our proposals will merit your early- consideration, AYe have, &c, Ross, Hotson, Payman, Walker, and Co., His Honor the Superintendent of Taranaki. Civil Engineers aud Contractors.

Enclosure 2 in No. 3. Gentlemen, — Superintendent's Office, New Plymouth, Ist August, 1871. . I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th June, 1871, together with a copy of that which you addressed to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary on the 20th June, 1870, in reference to laying out and completing lines of railway, and colonizing the waste lands of this country. In reply, I beg to inform you that I have perused your communication, and also laid it before the Provincial Council, but beyond this I regret to say that until I go to AVellington and confer with tho General Government on this most important matter, I shall not be in a position to make any arrangements for carrying out the desirable work in question. I purpose leaving this place on the, 10th instant for the General Assembly, and so soon as I shall have had an opportunity of consulting Ministers on the subject of your letter, I will again write to you. I enclose a copy of a resolution of the Provincial Council consequent on your letter. I have, <&c, F. A. Carrington, Messrs. Ross, Hotson, and Co., Civil Engineers, Dunedin. Superintendent. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 2 in No. 3. Extract from Minutes of Provincial Council of Taranaki. Council Chambers, New Plymouth, Thursday, 27th July, IS7I. Resolved, That a respectful Address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to enter into correspondence with the Colonial Government, and with Messrs. Ross, Hotson, and Co., with regard to the construction of a railway between New Plymouth and AVanganui by that firm. Provided that no arrangements should bo concluded for which the Province of Taranaki is to be liable without being laid in detail before this Council. James B. Lawson, Clerk, Provincial Council. 2