131

I.—ll

B I.—List of Dates.

Sept. 24, 1881. —"Railways Construction and Land Act, 1881," passed. Nov. 6, 1884.—" East and West Coast (Middle Island) and Nelson Eailway Act, 1884," passed. Jan. 17, 1885.—-Contract between William Chrystal and others and Her Majesty the Queen. Early, 1886. —New Zealand Midland Eailway Company (Limited) formed in England; capital, £500,000; first issue of £250,000. Share prospectus issued April, 1886. May 14, 1886.—Chrystal and others assigned by deed the benefit of their contract to the company. July 30, 1886.—East and West Coast and Nelson Eailways, &c, Act 1884 Amendment Act passed. Jan. 24, 1887.—Work of construction of railway in New Zealand commenced by the English contractors. Nov. 25, 1887. —Second meeting of company, when first report presented. The report shows: — - (a.) That Mr. Brodie Hoare, deputy chairman of the company, had during the year visited the colony and inspected the country through which the line would pass, in company with the committee of advice, and was well satisfied with the progress of the railway and the value of the land grants. (b.) That, of the three contracts let to English contractors, one was completed, the second was expected to be completed in December, 1887, and the third in February, 1888. Dec. 23, 1887.—" Midland Eailway Contract Act, 1887," passed. Aug. 3, 1888.—-The contract between Her Majesty and the company executed. Nov. 28, 1888.—Third meeting of shareholders of company, when second report presented, showing considerable works in progress. April 12, 1889. —Issue of prospectus for first issue of debentures, £745,000; the subscribed share capital of £250,000 having been called up and expended in the previous years. Aug. 2, 1889. —Date of debenture trust deed. Session of 1892.—Petition of company to Parliament, 1.-7 a, 1892: Nearly the whole of its money—viz., the proceeds of share capital, debentures, and sales of land—expended. Session of 1893.—Petition of company to Parliament, 1.-6 c, 1893. Early in 1894.—Work of company on construction of railway ceased. Session of 1894.—Petition of company to Parliament, 1.-8, 1894. Bill to amend contract to enable company to finance introduced by Government and defeated on second reading in House of Representatives. End of 1894.—Company gave notice under clause 47 of the contract of its claims and grievances, and demanded arbitration. March, 1895. —Arbitrators appointed. May 25, 1895. —His Excellency the Governor took possession of the railway under section 123 of the Act of 1881. Nov. 22, 1895.—Mr. Blake, Q.C., appointed umpire, and all matters referred by arbitrators to him. Dec. 24, 1895.—Mr. Blake's awards made. Session of 1896.—Petitions to Parliament by company and debenture-holders, 1.-7 and 1.-7 a 1896. 1896 and 1897. —Governor continues to work constructed portions, and proceeds to complete work not constructed, rendering accounts to company, and requiring payment of half-yearly balances, which were paid accordingly. Jan. 26, 1898. —Date of last payment of such balances by company. May 30, 1898. —-Petition of debenture-holders to Supreme Court under section 14 of the Act of 1884. July 4, 1898.—Formal order by Edwards, J., appointing Mr. Coates receiver, and authorising him to sell the railway and plant. July 28, 1898. —Notice filed in Supreme Court by Crown to vary order of Edwards, J. Feb. 4, 1899. — Supreme Court (Prendergast, C.J., and Edwards, J.) delivered judgment varying the order accordingly. Mr. Coates gave notice of appeal. May 25, 1899.—Court of Appeal affirmed judgment of Supreme Court. Mr. Coates obtained leave to appeal to Privy Council. Feb. 17, 1900.—Privy Council delivered judgment affirming judgment of Supreme Court and of Court of Appeal. April 18, 1900.—The Governor gave notice of intention to retain the railway as Government property under section 125 of the Act of 1881. July 23, 1900.—Order in Council under section 126 of Act of 1881.