The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 3 (July 1, 1932)

The Commission and its Report

The Commission and its Report.

Mr. Rolleston summoned the Provincial Council to meet on the 4th July for the purpose of dealing with the question of settlement of the claims of the contractors for the Lyttelton-Christchurch Railway. The Superintendent, having obtained the necessary authority for the expenditure, came to terms with the contractors. Then, in response to the address of the Council, he appointed, on 20th July, Mr. Thomas Paterson, Civil Engineer of Dunedin, a Commissioner to report upon the Railway expenditure. Later, Mr. Robt. Symington, merchant, of Christchurch, was added to the Commission, mainly with the object of dealing with the accounts.

The main features of the order of reference were:—To examine and report upon: (a) the expenditure on the construction of the Canterbury Railways; (b) how far the works on the Lyttelton to Christchurch Railway were a faithful carrying out of the contract of 1862, and wherever any deviations from the contract had been made to give an estimate of the cost of such deviations; (c) the present condition of the line, rolling stock, and buildings, and to give a general estimate of the value of these works; and (d) the system of accounting and the manner of payments, noticing especially any case not in accordance with the arrangements originally contemplated.