D.-2

1890. NEW ZEALAND.

RAILWAY REFORM LEAGUE'S PROPOSALS (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO).

Laid on the Table by the Hon. T. Fergus, with the Leave of the House.

No. 1. The Eailway Eeform League to the Eailway Commissioners, Gentlemen, — Eailway Eeform League, Auckland, 12th October, 1889. I have the honour, by the direction of the general committee, to inform you of the formation in this city of a " Eailway Eeform League," having for its objects the matter specified in the circular enclosed (see Appendix A), which is now being distributed generally throughout the colony, and a copy of which has been previously sent you. You are doubtless aware that a Parliamentary Committee of inquiry in the year 1886, after hearing evidence upon a proposed new system of railway-fares and charges (which include the alterations sought to be brought about by the League), reported that the Committee was of opinion that the matter was of so much public importance that a trial should be given to the proposed new system on an isolated section of our railways. The Eailway Eeform League is desirous of having this recommendation carried out, and I am directed to ask if you will consent to give this proposed system a trial upon the Auckland lines. I would respectfully point out to you that the Auckland system of railways is the only isolated section in the colony of sufficient extent to give a satisfactory trial to any new system of administration; and I would also direct attention to the fact that, owing to its very depressed condition, and the unsatisfactory results obtained from the branches, a trial on the Auckland lines would be the most severe test that any new system could be put to ; and that should it prove satisfactory here it would work very much better in other parts of the colony. lam also instructed to say that the League will not be prepared to recommend any local body to give an indemnity against possible loss, as any trial made will be for the benefit of the whole colony, and in the public interests generally. By order of, and on behalf of, the Eailway Eeform League. I have, &c, C. D. Whitcombe, Secretary.

No. 2. The Bail-way Commissioners to the Secretary, Eailway Eeform League, Auckland. Sir,— Wellington, 19th October, 1889. With reference to your letter of the 12th October, the receipt of which I had the honour to acknowledge on the 16th instant, in reference to the resolution of the Auckland Eailway Eeform League, suggesting a trial on the Auckland Section of a proposed new system of fares and charges, I am instructed to inform you that the Eailway Commissioners are well acquainted with the proceedings before the Parliamentary Committee you refer to. The Commissioners beg to draw your attention to the correspondence in the Herald of the 11th February last (see Appendix B). The Minister, in reply to Messrs. Vaile, Green, Nathan, Bell, and Beid, about the Auckland, railways and Mr. Vaile's scheme, explained that no particulars of the scheme and proposals were available; that Mr. Vaile had given to the Committee an outline only of his plan of passenger-fares ; and that he had intimated to the Parliamentary Committee that his knowledge of the goods-traffic was noT; enough for him to found proper charges and classification upon. The Minister requested complete details of the scheme and proposals, in order that the Government might consider them. I—D. 2.