3

D.—2.

In each of the preceding cases Is. per ton will be allowed to the company, and Is. 6d. per truck for Class M. For goods of Classes F, H, X, N, and P, the rates will be divided between the Government and the company proportionately to the mileage carried. Payments to the company of the charges and allowances due to it, after deducting all the expenses chargeable against the company as defined hereinbefore, will be made four-weekly, due time being allowed for compiling and auditing the accounts, and provided that the expenses so chargeable against the company exceed the receipts, the excess of such expenses above the receipts shall be refunded to the Government by the company for each four-weekly period within fourteen days from date of notice in writing given by the Minister for Public "Works to the Chairman of the company. The accounts shall be open for the inspection of the company, and such statistical information as is wanted may be obtained by the company upon payment of the clerical expenses involved in compiling it. 14. This arrangement will commence on the 13th day of December, 1880, and may remain in force for twelve months; but it shall be terminable after three months' notice has been given by either party. The Minister shall give free annual passes on the New Zealand railways for the use of the Secretary and the Chairman of the company between Christchurch and Methven. The Minister shall, once in the year, run an excursion train for the use of the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway Company to convey such passengers as the company's Chairman may direct, free of charge, from Rakaia to Methven and back, provided that the train shall be run only at such time and subject to such regulations as the General Manager, New Zealand Railways, may direct. Should the company neglect or refuse to fulfil any of the conditions hereinbefore stipulated, the Minister may, without further process or notice, cease to work the line, and the company shall have no claim for compensation or damages on account of such stoppage, or on account of any action arising therefrom. J. P. Maxwell, General Manager, New Zealand Railways. (1.5.) Geobge Habt, Chairman, Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway Company (Limited).

Authority : G-eoege Didsbtjby, G-overnment Printer, Wellington. —1881.

Price 3d.]