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No. 5. The Feenhill Eailway Company to the Hon. the Minister for Public Works. Sib, — Vogel Street, Dunedin, 16th December, 1884. Referring to Mr. Howorth's interview with you on the subject of the maintenance of the Fernhill Eailway, I am directed to ask—lst. Whether the Government will maintain the line ? 2nd. If not absolutely, upon what terms ? The directors desire me to point out that although the railway is not a Government one, yet the Government to all intents and purposes have the benefit of it as a feeder to the main line. The Walton Park Eailway being a Government line is maintained at Government expense, and it is submitted tkat the Fernhill Eailway should be placed as nearly as may be on the same footing. Should any difficulty arise from the fact of the Fernhill Colliery Eailway being a private line, the company is quite willing that the Government should take it over, either by purchase or upon such other terms as will bring it within the category of a Government line. The second question is asked in the alternative. Awaiting your favourable consideration, I have, &c, E. F. Eaton, The Hon. the Minister for Public Works, Wellington. Secretary. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, £1; printing 1,400 copies), £3 Bs. 9d.J

Authority : Geobge Dldsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBG.