D.—B

2

2. To inquire into and report upon the different routes suggested for the proposed branch line of railway from the Wanganui - New Plymouth to Opunake. 3. To further inquire and report what, if any, tramways would be advisable for the opening-up and development of the area of country hereinbefore referred to, and the best location for same. 4. What will be the probable cost of the said railways or tramways, and what will probably be the economic and commercial value and other merits of such railways or tramways respectively. And, with the like advice and consent, I do hereby appoint you the said Robert West Holmes to be Chairman of the said Commission. And for the better enabling you to carry these presents into effect, you or any three of you are hereby empowered and authorized to make and conduct any inquiry under these presents, and at such place or places in the said Dominion, as you may deem expedient, with power to adjourn from time to time and from place to place as you think fit, and to call before you and examine by all lawful means such person or persons as you may think capable of affording you any information in the premises. And you are also hereby empowered to call for and examine all such books, documents, papers, maps, plans, accounts, or records as you shall judge likely to afford you the fullest information on the subject of this Commission, and to inquire of and concerning the premises by all other lawful ways and means whatsoever. And using all diligence you or any three of you are required to report to me under your hands and seals your opinion resulting from the said inquiry in respect of the several matters and things inquired into by you or by virtue of these presents not later than the thirteenth day of June next ensuing, with power to certify unto me from time to time your several proceedings in respect of any of the matters aforesaid, if it may seem expedient for you to do so. Given under my hand, this nineteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twelve. Issued in Executive Council. Islinoton, Governor. J. F. Andrews, Clerk of the Executive Council.

REPORT. To His Excellency the Right Honourable John Poynder Dickson-Poynder, Baron Islington, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies. May it please Your Excellency,— We, the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency to inquire as to what railways or tramways are required to open up and serve the country lying to the westwaid of the main line of railway between Hawera and New Plymouth, as mentioned in the Commission, a copy of which is attached hereto, have the honour to report as follows : — We have made a thorough investigation into the matters covered by our Commission from every practicable point of view; we have traversed and examined practically the whole of the country which would be served by a railway or tramway, covering about two hundred miles in several different directions ; we have carefully computed the probable output and inward freight from and to the district concerned which would be available for transport by rail; and we have taken evidence of representative farmers, commercial men, and members of local bodies throughout the district, who have supplied us with information regarding the present capacity and prospective development of the different areas of land coming within the scope of our inquiries.