I.—lo.

1883. NEW ZEALAND.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON DIRECT STEAM SERVICE (REPORT OF THE), TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Beport brought up 15th August, 1883, and ordered to be printed.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the Legislative Council. Thursday, the 9th day op August, 1883. Ordered, " That a Select Committeo be appointed to whom should bo referred the papers presented to this Council on the subject of the direct steam service with Great Britain, with power to confer with any Committee appointed for a similar purpose by the House of Representatives, and to report with as little delay as possible. The Committee to consist of the Hon. Mr. Acland, the Hon. Mr. Holmes, the Hon. Mr. Hart, the Hon. Mr. G. R. Johnson, the Hon. Mr. Menzies, the Hon. Mr. Miller, the Hon. Mr. J. C. Richmond, the Hon. Mr. Robinson, the Hon. Mr. Williamson, and the mover." — (Hon. Dr. Pollen.)

Extracts from the Journals of the House of Bepresentatives. Tuesday, the 7th day of August, 1883. Ordered, " That the question of the arrangement made, subject to the approval of Parliament, between the Government and the New Zealand Shipping Company, for the conveyance of immigrants and freight from Great Britain to New Zealand, as set forth in the correspondence laid before this House on the Ist August, be referred to a Select Committee to consider the whole question and report as soon as possible, with power to confer with any similar Committee of the Legislative Council." — (Mr. Driver.)

Thursday, the 9th day of August, 1883. Ordered, "That a Select Committee be appointed on terms of a resolution passed on the 7th August to consider proposals for a direct steam service between Great Britain and New Zealand, with power to call for persons and papers ; four to form a quorum; to report within one week. The Committee to consist of the Hon. Mr. Rolleston, Hon. Mr. W. W. Johnston, Mr. Macandrew, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Joyce, Mr. Sutton, Mr. W. C. Buchanan, Mr. Swanson, Mr. George, and the mover." — (Mr. Driver.)

KEPOKT. The Joint Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the proposals for a direct steam service between Great Britain and New Zealand have the honour to report that they have adopted the following resolutions :— 1. That no contract for a direct steam service should be entered into before the next session of the General Assembly. 2. That in the meantime the Government should make such arrangements, consistent with efficiency, as will be least burdensome on the public revenue. 3. That in making such arrangements due regard should be paid to the claim which the New Zealand Shipping Company, by its enterprise, has upon the colony. 4. That, having regard to the safety and comfort of passengers, the Government should give the preference to unsinkable ships. 5. That the Bluff should be included in the ports of arrival and departure, which shall be optionaMor steamers under arrangements with the Government. Daniel Pollen, 15th August, 1883. Chairman.