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traffic and revenue derived therefrom to Jackson's, to complete Exhibit No. 26; and it was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, That the return be made a record of the Commission (Exhibit No. 157). A letter was received from the Under-Secretary for Public Works, forwarding, to the order of the Commission dated the 9th May, 1901, a return of the estimated revenue earned by and expenditure incurred on account of the Midland Eailway, Jackson's-Beefton Section, between the date when the through rates were adopted after the vesting of the line in the Crown (23rd July, 1900) and the 31st March, 1901; and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Fraser, That the return be received, and laid on the table for the information of the Commission. At 4.5 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Wednesday, 15th May, 1901. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Mr. McKenzie (Chairman), Mr. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. McKerrow. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Alfred Lilther Beattie, Locomotive Superintendent, New Zealand Eailways, was called and further examined on oath. Resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, That the Commission go through all the returns put in by Mr. Young, late chief assistant engineer to the New Zealand Midland Eailway Company, and decide in regard to what points in these returns they will require an explanation of Mr. Young. The Commission were engaged during the sitting in examining and checking the exhibits as finally printed. At 4.15 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Thubsday, 16th May, 1901. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Mr. McKenzie (Chairman), Mr. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. McKerrow. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. " James Hugh Buchanan Coates, bank manager and Eeceiver for the debenture-holders, Wellington, was called, sworn, and produced certain returns (Exhibits Nos. 158 and 159). Norman Howard Maxwell Dalston, attorney for the New Zealand Midland Eailway Company, was called, and produced a further return (Exhibit No. 160). A letter was received from the Under-Secretary for Public Works in regard to the cylindersinking plant imported by the New Zealand Midland Eailway Company ; and it was resolved, That the consideration of the matter be deferred. The Commission were engaged during the sitting in examining and checking the exhibits as finally printed. At 4.10 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.

Fbiday, 17th May, 1901. The Commission met at 10.30 a.m. Present: Mr. McKenzie (Chairman), Mr. Fraser, Mr. Graham, Mr. Hudson, and Mr. McKerrow. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was received from the Under-Secretary for Public Works, forwarding, to the order of the Commission dated the Bth May, 1901, a return of the blocks of land selected by the Midland Eailway Company in respect of the several completed sections of their railway; and it was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, That the return be made a record of the Commission (Exhibit No. 161). A letter was received from the Under-Secretary for Public Works, forwarding a return showing the amount of expenditure by the Government on surveys in connection with the Midland Eailway ; and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Hudson, That the return be made a record of the Commission (Exhibit No. 162). Besolved, on the motion of Mr. Hudson, That Mr. Young, the late chief assistant engineer to the Midland Eailway Company, be asked to furnish returns showing the details of additions and deductions to contract No. 24 (Exhibit No. 40), and details of contract No. 22a (Exhibit No. 42), contract No. 28 (Exhibit No. 46), contract No. 46 (Exhibit No. 57), and contract No. 32a (Exhibit No. 82). Besolved, on the motion of the Chairman, That Mr. Bell and Dr. Findlay be informed that it is important they should attend a meeting of the Commission at 3 p.m. to-morrow for the purpose of considering the returns put in by the Midland Eailway Company showing the amount of debenture capital and interest charged to capital during construction. The Commission were engaged during the sitting in examining and checking the exhibits as finally printed. At 4.50 p.m. the Commission adjourned till 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.