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Kxgineer in Charge, N. 1., AVellington. Auckland, 16th January, 1879. 35. — Ec Thames-AVaikato. Grahamstown Reclamation contract nearly ready, between wharves, extent about eight acres. Estimated cost, with rough stone protection and sewers, about twelve thousand pounds (£12,000). If you approve, I will get contract out at once. James Stewart, D.E. To James Stewart, wired No. 212, 17/1/79. Ec Grahamstown Reclamation : The contract is for a greater sum than Minister thinks desirable to enter into at once. Please send rough tracing showing extent of work proposed, and suggest whether portion of same could not advantageously be let to begin with. We shall also want information for Proclamation very soon, which please bear in mind. This might embrace only portion of line extending out of Shortland a mile or two. Wire reply meanwhile. John Blackett.

Engineee in Chaege, N.L, AVellington. Auckland, 18th January, 1879. 44. — Ec Grahamstown Reclamation contract: I will send tracing of what was proposed. Area might be reduced to four acres, and would do temporarily; but rouszh stone protection would bo lost in great measure when further area reclaimed. I will bear in mind Proclamation. Could keep contract down to £6,000 by that means. James Stewart, D.E.

Hon. the Minister for Public AVorks for consideration. —J. Blackett, 18/1/79.

Keep it down to £6,000.— J. M.,.18/1/79.

Telegram No. 237, James Stewart, accordingly.—J. 8., 18/1/79. James Stewart wired No. 237, 20/1/79. Ec Grahamstown Reclamation : Minister approves of keeping down first contract to £6,000. "Will await your tracing, and send approval on receipt thereof. John Blackett.

J. Blackett, Esq., Wellington. Grahamstown, 18th January, 1879. Understand Mr. Beere finished survey of line to fvauaeranga River. Waiting your decision regarding extension to Grahamstown before completing plans. Kindly wire instructions as quickly as possible, that work may be speediiy commenced. Much distress prevails. Alexandee Beodie. Telegram No. 234 in reply. —J. B. Alexander Brodie wired No. 234, 20/1/79. Ec Thames Railway line, and extension to Grahamstown : Plans are now on way to Wellington, with report by District Engineer. On receipt, no time will bo lost in calling tenders, and proclaiming a portion of the line. Am in communication with District Engineer on all points necessary. John Blackett.

No. 112-1879. Public Works Office, Auckland, 20th January, 1879. Grahamstown Eailway Eeclamation. — Memorandum for the Engineer in Charge, North Island. 1 herewith send you tracing of foreshore between Grahamstown and Shortland Wharves. The area tinted red is that estimated to cost, for reclamation, protection, and sewers, nearly £12,000. I believe that is an over-estimate, allowing for the state of things in Grahamstown, and seeing there is no sawn timber wanted, almost the only expensive thing just now. Provided the policy of having two stations is approved, there are two methods of lessening the first cost: firstly, to reduce the reclamation to about the pencil line on the red area. This would reclaim only about .four and a quarter acres, and be sufficient for a time. But the stone protection would, in a measure, be lost when the extension was made ; secondly, to begin at the Shortland reclamation, marked, in pencil, at Willoughby Street. That is the only eligible site for a station there, and would suit very well. The line could then be extended towards Grahamstown at your convenience. I recommend the first of these courses, and to do with as little stone protection as we can possibly risk the works with safety. I would make No. 2 contract, then, extend from 20 chains to 1 mile 13 chains. The rest is dependent on the land being first procured. James Stewaet, D.E.

Hon. James Macandrew, Wellington. Grahamstown, 24th January, 1879. Will there be railway station, Shortland —principal shipping placo. Distance from Grahamstown wharf fully one mile. When harbour improvements completed, greatly superior shipping accommodation. E. Hansen. William Carpenter. W. J. Speight.

Engineer in Charge, N.L 24th January, 1879. Will you enable the Hon. Mr. Fisher to reply. J. K.

Mr. Knowles. 27th January, 1879. Please reply that there will be stations at both Grahamstown and Shortland. J. Blackett.