I.—llb

1886. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (REPORT OF THE), RELATIVE TO THE PURCHASE OF DISTRICT RAILWAYS, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AND EVIDENCE, AND APPENDIX.

Report brought up 11th August, 1886, and ordered to be printed.

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Monday, the sth Day op July, 1886. Ordered, " That the paper laid on the table of the House this day—namely, ' List of District Railway Companies ■who have made Application to Government to purchase their Railways' —be referred to the Public Accounts Committee."— (Eon. Mr. Richardson.)

EEPOET. The Committee, having considered the question submitted to them in the order of reference with regard to certain district railway companies who have made application to Government to purchase their railways, have taken evidence (hereto appended), and are of opinion that the consideration of the purchase of these lines by the Government can be delayed till next session without injury to the public service. F. J. Moss, 11th August, 1886. Chairman.

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS.

Tuesday, 6th July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Peacock. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Order of reference dated the sth July, 1886, read, and consideration deferred. The Committee adjourned till Wednesday, the 7th July, at 11 o'clock.

Wednesday, 7th July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Holmes, Dr. Newman. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. On the motion of Dr. Newman, Resolved, That the General Manager of Eailways, the UnderSecretary for Public Works, the Surveyor-General, and the Engineer, Mines Department, be summoned to attend the Committee, and that the General Manager of Eailways be asked to attend at 12 o'clock on the Bth July. The Committee adjourned till Thursday, the Bth July, at 11 o'clock.

Thursday, Bth July, 1886. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Moss (Chairman), Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Barron, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Dargaville, Mr. Gore, Mr. Montgomery, Dr. Newman, Mr. Peacock, Mr. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The consideration of the order of reference respecting the purchase of district railways was then resumed. Mr. Maxwell, General Manager of Eailways, attended and gave evidence. I—l. 118.