I.—2a

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promising Thames and Waikato Railway previously to present Government coming into office. Reply, marked urgent, free. —John Knowles, Under Secretary Public Works." " Grahamstown, 26th July, 1879.—John Knowles, Esq., Wellington.—See letter from Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 14th February, 1873, to Superintendent of Auckland, signed by Waterhouse on 30th January, 1873. Deputation of Thames gentlemen waited on Hon. Richardson, at Auckland, and Mr. Richardson said he would on his return to Wellington recommend a survey being made of line from Thames to Hamilton. This was authorized by Government, and the survey was made by Mr. Simpson. The report of his survey, with map showing line of railway from Grahamstown to Hamilton, was laid before Parliament, 1873. See Appendix to Journals, House of Representatives, 1873. On Bth August, 1873, Mr. C. F. Mitchell, who had been sent to Wellington by Thames people on this matter, had official interview with and received an assurance from Hon. Mr. Richardson that Government would support the construction of this line. This was his report to those who sent him. Also see Government sketch-map of the colony of New Zealand, showing authorized and proposed railway lines, July, 1873. The map is lithographed by W. W. G. Spreet, Lithographic Survey Office, Wellington. I feel sure I received this map from Mr. Mitchell on his return as a proof that the Government had agreed to this line. Can send map if you want it.—F. C. Dean, J. KiLaoru." 151. Hon. Mr. Richardson.] I should like to ask you to state again whether you find any record in any shape of any promise of the previous Government to make that railway?—l find nothing else except the documents I have put in, and the letter of Mr. Waterhouse. 152. And that letter is a simple promise of a survey ?—Yes.

APPENDIX. No. 1. Mr. J. Knowles to Mr. F. C. Dean. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 26th July, 1879. Please wire me copies or reference to any Public Works or other letters or speeches by Ministers promising Thames aud Waikato Eailway previously to present Government coming into office. Eeply marked " Urgent," —free. John Knowles, F. C. Dean, Esq., Town Clerk, Thames. Under Secretary, Public Works.

No. 2. Mr. J. Knowles to Dr. Kilgotje. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 26th July, 1879. Please wire me copies or reference to any Public Works or other letters or speeches by Ministers promising Thames and Waikato Railway, previously to present Government coming into office. Reply marked " Urgent,"—free. John Knowles, Dr. Kilgour, Thames. Under Secretary, Public Works.

No. 3. Mr. F. C. Dean and Dr. Kilgotje to Mr. J. Knowles. (Telegram.) Grahamstown, 26th July, 1879. See letter from Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 14th February, 1873, to Superintendent of Auckland, signed by W'aterhouse on 30th January, 1873. Deputation of Thames gentlemen waited ou Hon. Mr. Richardson at Auckland, and Mr. Richardson said he would, on his return to Wellington, recommend a survey being made of line from Thames to Hamilton. This was authorized by Government, and the survey was made by Mr. Simpson. The report of his survey, with map showing line of railway from Grahamstown to Hamilton, was laid before Parliament in 1873. (See Appendix to Journals, House of Representatives, 1873). On Bth August, 1873, Mr. C. F. Mitchell, who had been sent to Wellington by Thames people on this matter, had an official interview with and received an assurance from Hon. Mr. Richardson that Government would support the construction of this line. This was his report to those who sent him. (Also see Government Sketch Map of the Colony of New Zealand, showing authorized and proposed railway lines, July, 1873.) The map is lithographed by Mr. W. G. Spreat, Litho-Survcy Office, Wellington. I feel sure I received this map from Mr. Mitchell on his return as a proof that the Government had agreed to this line. Can send map if you want it. F. C. Dean. John Knowles, Esq., Wellington. J. Kilgoue.