CONSTRUCTION OE RAILWAYS.

D.—No. 6a.

19

Nos. 45 and 46.

work to complete, and there would be no reliance to be placed on any ordinary estimate of its cost, on account of the peculiar nature of the soil at the western end of the work. Eegarding the line through the Domain, I have, after extensive trials, succeeded in getting a gradient of 1 in 40, with a depth of cutting, in what I expect will be indurated sand, at Parnell Eoad, of 27 feet, having concentrated the heavy portion of the work at Stanley Street, where the embankment would be 28 feet deep. Here the chief expense would be the long bridge to cross the street, the line on the skew being 4| chains. This line would be, I think, by far the cheapest, and the objection which the Domain Board have to the lino can be easily overcome. I propose tho slopes through the Domain, both in cutting and filling, shall have slopes of 2t01,t0 be grassed and planted. The work then would, lam sure, be a decided ornament to the Domain; of this there can be no doubt. The line from Newmarket to Onehunga would be best let in one contract, and details would be ready for contractors in a mouth if necessary. The line from Auckland to Newmarket would have all details ready in five weeks for contractors. The line from Penrose Junction to Drury would have all details ready for contractors in six weeks if necessary. The line from Drury to Tuakau or Mercer awaits instructions ; and the Tuakau, if adhered to, would take for sections four weeks ; the other, for survey and sections, about eight weeks. Accounts for payment up to date are enclosed. I have, &c, Henry AVeigg, J. Blackett, Esq., C.E., Engineer-in-Chief, Engineer in Charge. Wellington.

No. 46. Mr. Knowles to the Hon. Dr. Pollen. Sie,— Public Works Office, Wellington, 17th June, 1871. In a report addressed to the Acting Chief Engineer by Mr. AVrigg, dated the 10th instant — which will be laid before Mr. Blackett on his return from the West Coast—it is stated that since Mr. Wrigg handed to you his report of 16th May, referring to the terminus at Mercer, he has kept his assistants under pay awaiting the decision of the Government. Although these assistants are not paid by the Government, Mr. Gisborne directs me to say that pending the receipt of the remarks which His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland has been asked to make for the information of the Government, no decision can be come to, and he will be obliged if you will inform Mr. AVrigg to that effect. I am also directed to say, that, looking to the importance of an early completion of tho survey, Mr. Gisborne hopes to receive His Honor the Superintendent's opinion as early as possible. I have, &c, The Hon. Dr. Pollen, General Government Agent, John Knowles, Auckland. Under Secretary.

No. 47. The Hon. W. Gisborne to His Honor T. B. Gillies. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 17th June, 1871. I have the honor, in continuation of my letter of 6th instant, to forward to your Honor a copy of a further report I have received from Mr. Wrigg, the contractor for the survey of certain deviations proposed with reference to the Auckland and Tuakau Eailway, together with the copy of a letter I have directed to be addressed to the Government Agent at Auckland in reference thereto. I shall be obliged if your Honor will transmit to me as early as possible a reply to my letter above quoted. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. W. Gisboene.

No. 48. His Honor T. B. Gillies to the Hon. AV. Gisboene. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 21th June, 1871. In reply to your letter No. 184, of the 17th instant, I have the honor to inform you that your letter of the 6th instant was received here on the 10th, and my reply thereto sent on the 13th, so that no delay has occurred on my part. As to the deviations at the Auckland end of the line, I am not in a position yet to give an opinion as to the Domain route proposed, but will take an early opportunity of forming an opinion thereon. At the same time I quite concur in the view expressed by Mr. AVrigg, that the original Tunnel route ought to be avoided if at all possible. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies. The Hon. Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.