D.—2

2

Despatch from the Agent-General informing Colonial Treasurer that the chairman of the company had intimated to the effect that they had made up their minds as to the alterations they desired in the draft contract (December, 1886), and were forwarding a new draft to their representatives in the colony. — Printed. (Enclosure.) Secretary to company to Agent-General, informing him that directors had settled form of new contract, and had given instructions to solicitor of company to send copies to him.— Printed. Despatch from Agent-General to Colonial Treasurer, in continuation of the 6th August, reporting what had since taken place in reference to the draft new contract, and commenting thereon. — Printed. (Enclosures.) Mr. McDonell to Agent-General, stating that directors proposed to send to Mr. Scott (company's agent in New Zealand) a telegram as follows : "If Cabinet approve contract', finance satisfactory, and Springfield andßelgrove lines will proceed." Suggestion that AgentGeneral might like to send a similar telegram.— Printed. Letter from Mr. Kennaway (Secretary, Agent-General's Department) to Mr. McDonell (secretary to the company), informing him that Agent-General regretted new draft sent out in present form, because it involved even greater difficulties than those which attended the amendments suggested by the company's solicitor in May.— Printed. Mr. Kennaway to Mr. McDonell, stating Agent-General not prepared to send similar telegram.— Printed. Agent-General to Colonial Treasurer, reporting farther correspondence with Midland Eailway Company, pointing out new requirements of the company ; and especially the requirement of a guarantee as to the value of the land. — Printed. (Enclosures.) Mr. McDonell to Agent-General, denying that what the company require is a guarantee, but " an honourable effort to carry out ah agreement by a simple and business-like method," and discussing various points in reference to the negotiations.— Printed. Mr. Kennaway to Mr. McDonell, avoiding controversy as to statements in his letter of the 26th August, except as to one point, viz., the " guarantee."— Printed. Secretary of company to Agent-General, stating Agent-General does not appreciate directors' letter or terms of contract prepared by them, and stating " the real point of importance." Eegretting the position taken by Agent-General, and throwing upon him alone responsibility of fresh negotiations and prolonged delay. — Printed. Memorandum by Sir Julius Vogel on giving up charge of the arrangements with the Company.

10th August, 1887.

6th August, 1887.

23rd August. 1887.

19th August 1887.

21st August, 1887,

22nd August 1887.

7th September, 1887.

26th August, 1887.

31st August, 1887.

2nd Septem ber, 1887.

7th October, 1887.