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Mr. Blackett to Mr. Stewart. (Telegram.) AVellington, Bth March, 1879. Ec advertising railway contracts and deposit of plans for same : These should always be advertised infWellington, as weli as in Auckland; and complete copy of contract, plans, and specifications should also be forwarded to Wellington for inspection —Hamilton branch, for example, plans for which have only been received to-day, although tenders have been received for the work. Please arrange that this shall be attended to in the future. John Blackett.

New Zealand Railways, Hamilton Branch Contract — Formation of Permanent Way, and Buildings. Public AVorks Office, Auckland, 18th February, 1879. AVeitten tenders will be received at this office up to noon of Friday, 7th March, 1879, for the above contract. They must be addressed to the District Engineer, Public AVorks Office, Auckland, and marked outside, " Tender for Hamilton Branch Contract." Plans and specifications can be seen at this office. The lowest, or any tender not necessarily accepted. By command. James Stewaet, D. E.

Telegrams, &c, belative to Woeks at Geahamstown end. Hon. J. Macandrew, AVellington. Grahamstown, 3rd January, 1879. Stewart and Beere here will be pleased if you will allow the question site of terminus railway to remain until report from Mr. Stewart received. W. J. McCullough, Mayor.

Enginkeb tn Chaege, N.L, AVellington. Grahamstown, 4th January, 1879. Re site terminus here. I find the question considered by authorities to be still open, and Mayor and Chairman of Harbour Board wish it to be between Curtis's and Good's wharves, with a station at Shortland. I fully agree with this, and urge compliance with their wishes as the best for Government and community. Please reply to Auckland ; full report by mail. Jas. Stewart, D.E.

Memoeandum for Hon. Minister foe Public AVoeks. 6th January, 1879. The Public AVorks Department has no wish to force any station site on people of Grahamstown and Shortland. I think if question is left to the Municipality and Harbour Board in consultation with Mr. J. Stewart, a satisfactory solution of question will be arrived at. J. Blackett. Approved.—J. M., 6/1/79.

W. J. McCullougii, Mayor, Grahamstown. Wellington, 7th January, 1879. Re terminus, Railway, Thames. Hon. Minister for Public Works will await report from Mr. Stewart, as requested. John Blackett.

James Stewaet, P.W.0., Auckland. Wellington, 7th January, 1879. Re railway station site, Thames. No objection to be reconsidered ; will await report. John Blackett.

Terminus at Grahamstown. — Memorandum for Engineer in Charge, N.L. (No. 51-79.) Public Works Office, Auckland, 10th January, 1579. On proceeding to work at Grahamstown on Friday, 3rd instant, I found the question of the terminus site was considered as open, and that the site at Mary Street would give satisfaction to no party. I could not view it with favour myself, as I was certain it would be the cause of dissatisfaction sure to culminate in an alteration after much work had been done perhaps. I think there are abundant precedents to justify that view, and when my personal opinion inclines strongly towards having two stations, I took the first opportunity of asking tho question of site to bo reopened. The site between Curtis's and Burke Street Wharves is one which will give satisfaction to all parties as the Grahamstown Station. It is lower in level than at Mary Street, but it will not be much more costly, as it is much nearer the material for filling. It will work in with the harbour works much better ; indeed, the site at Mary Street would be far from any possible shipping-place. At Shortland a very good site for a station may be had near the upper end of wharf, and the wharf may be connected with a back shunt. The proposed changes would not add much to the first cost of the line, and will give satisfaction ; while the Mary Street site may be cheaper to begin with, but would be certain to be altered at considerable cost and loss. I hope, therefore, you will allow me to call for tenders for embanking between the wharves. James Stewaet, D.E. (79-258.) Public Works Office, 18th January, 1879. From District Engineer, Auckland. —Subject: Memo, as to terminus site at Grahamstown. Recommend two stations. Memoranda.— Mr. Blackett.—J. P. M., 20/1/79. C. C.—Have any plans been received with this? —J. 8., 23/1/79. Mr. Blackett.—None.—C. T. B. Mr. 810w.—24/1/79. Mr. Benzoni.—No plans received. —H. J. B. Since received. See P.AV. 78/367 above. —E. J. B. 4—l. 2a.