Dt-^4

2

(1.) To inquire into and ascertain the best route along which the North Auckland Main Trunk Railway from Te Tio northwards should be constructed in the interests of the community as a whole, giving due consideration to the development of settlement, engineering questions, and the volume and direction of traffic. (2.) To inquire into and to ascertain the best route along which, a railway connecting the Kaihu Valley Railway with the North Auckland Main Trunk Railway should be constructed in the interests of settlement, and giving due consideration to engineering questions and the volume and direction of traffic. (3.) To inquire into and to ascertain with what port or ports the North Auckland Main Trunk Railway northwards of Te Tio should be connected, and the extent to which such railway should now be constructed in the interests of settlement. (4.) And, generally, to make inquiry into any matter or thing which , !r i | ;<) i ■;... arises out of or is connected with the subjects, of inquiry ,her,ein- ;'. ;. fl before mentioned, or which in'your opinion may he .of ass'istianee, in fully ascertaining, explaining, and arriving at a fair and just conclusion in respect of the subjects of inquiry. And, with the like advice and consent, I do hereby appoint you, the said William Ferguson, to be Chairman of the said Commission. And for the better enabling you to carry these presents into effect you are hereby empowered and authorized to make and conduct any inquiry under these presents, and at such place or places in the said Dominon 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 on. oath, or otherwise as may be allowed by law, 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 are required to report to me under your hands and seals your opinion resulting from the said inquiry in respect of the several 1 matters and things inquired into by you, or by virtue of these presents, not later than the thirty-first day of January, one thousand nine hundred and. twenty-one, 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. And it is hereby declared that these presents shall continue in full force and virtue although the inquiry is not regularly continued from time to time or from place to place by adjournments. And it is hereby declared that these presents are issued under and subject; to the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. Given under the hand of His Excellency the Governor-General of the Dominion of New Zealand ; and issued under the Seal of that Dominion, at the Government" House at Wellington, this twentysixth day of October, one thousand nine hundred and twenty. J. G. COATES, " .', Minister of Public Works. Issued in Executive Council. F. D. Thomson, Clerk of the Executive Council.' i