I.—2a.

21

Mr. J. Kilgoue to Mr. J. Knowles. (Telegram.) Grahamstown, 25th November, IS7B. Thanks for your telegram, which, however, does not answer our question, which is, —Are railway works referred to in your telegram to be commenced at Grahamstown end, and have any arrangements been made with Engineer in Charge with that view ? J. Kilgoue, Mayor. W. M. Davis, Chairman, Harbour Board. Alex. Beodie, County Chairmau.

Mr. J. Knowles to the Hon. J. Macandrew. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th November, 1878. The Mayor, County Chairman, &c, have been wiring Premier and yourself asking that Conyers and Lawson, now in Auckland, may be set to work to start the Thames and AVaikato Eailway line. They were informed that you had given directions to Mr. Blackett before you went South, and a portion of the line would be begun as soon as necessary steps had been taken. They want, however, to know whether work will be begun Grahamstown end. AVhat shall I reply, as Mr. Blackett tells me he is instructed to begin at Hamilton end ? J. Knowles.

Air. AY. A. Alurray, AI.H.E,, to the Hon. the Alinister for Public Works. Sir — Piako, 26th November, IS7B. As I propose visitiug Australia, and going to Otago, I shall be glad to know when the Engineer will inspect the proposed railway, Thames to AVaikato, so that I may be with him, as you said, to make certain suggestions. I think that it would be most undesirable that the gentleman who is blamed for the many costly errors in laying out the Auckland-Wai kato line should be permitted also to make a mess of this Thames-Waikato lino. I would advise that the line be begun without delay at Te Aroha, for following reasons : All material can be delivered there for less than at the Hamilton end, including splendid rata for sleepers and bridges, also splendid kauri —the best and strongest in the colony. The steamers can land the material, as I gather from Air. Firth —by his large twin-screw steamer —direct from Auckland, at about 15s. per ton. The line will require little more then —to ballast, lay the rails, and make a very few inexpensive bridges. Indeed, except for the AVaikato bridge (which would not have been needed, if the Auckland-Waikato line had been laid out as it should), the whole bridges on the line will only cost a few thousand pounds; and the line could be made and open in six months. Beginning at Te Aroha will give employment to the Thames unemployed—will help to please the Thames people, who think the line should begin at Shortland. This will be a compromise, and it will cause the Te Aroha lands to sell to better advantage. There should be no delay in offering part of those lands; and I advise that tho town lots should not exceed quarter of an acre, the suburban lots from one to five acres, the rural lots not over 320 acres, and at least half of these on deferred payment. I have, &c, The Hon. the Alinister for Public Works. W. A. Alurray, AI.H.E.

Dr. Kilgoue and Othees to Mr. John Knowles. (Telegram.) Grahamstown, 27th November, 1878. AYe await your answer to our telegram of the 25th instant. James Kilgoue, Mayor. William Davis, Chairman, Harbour Board. Alex. Brodie, County Chairman.

W. Rowe, M.H.R. to Hon. Mr. Macandrew, Dunedin. (Telegram.) 29th November, 187 S. Intense dissatisfaction here at delay in commencing railway here. Must not commence from Hamilton. If so, the whole community be against you. W. Rowe, Grahamstown.

Hon. J. Macandeew to AY. Rowe, M.11.R. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 2nd December, 1878. TnE intense dissatisfaction to which you refer must, I fear, be allowed to get more intensified. It will not make the railway, which Government are as desirous of pushing forward as are the complainants themselves. It is manifestly impossible to commence the work without receiving plans and surveys, which require time to prepare. This work was directed to be done shortly, after the Railway Bill became law; and my desire is to prosecute the undertaking vigorously, aud to urge on the speedy completion of the line, uninfluenced by unreasonable impatience. J. Macandeew.

J. Knowles to Hon. Mr. Macandeew, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd December, 187 S. In a telegram of 26th November informed you that Thames County Couucil and others wanted to know whether Thames Railway was to be also begun at Grahamstown. And as they kept on wiring, I replied that I would send an answer as soon as I was in a position to do so. As you have not replied, perhaps you purpose leaving the matter until you return ? J. Knowles.