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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 82
The Waimea Plains Railway. — Correspondence
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The Waimea Plains Railway.
Correspondence
Public Works Department,
Wellington,
November 14, 1884.
Sir,—I have the honour to forward to you herewith the copy of a resolution passed by the House of Representatives. In conformity therewith the Government will be prepared to enter into an agreement with you for the lease and purchase of the Waimea Plains railway, subject to the following conditions:—
| 1. | That the agreement shall be subject to the ratification of Parliament next session. |
| 2. | That you postpone all proceeding for the recovery of rates against such of the ratepayers as pay for two-fifths of the amounts you are authorised to collect on account of the period ending 31st March last, each proceedings to be resumed only in the event of Parliament refusing to ratify the agreement. |
| 3. | That the agreement shall bind you to waive all proceedings against ratepayers for more than the two-fifths mentioned in the last paragraph, and to return any excesses you may have received. |
| 4. | That, from the 31st March last to the date of the agreement coming into operation, the ratepayers shall only be held liable to make good any deficiency up to 2 per cent., instead of 5 per cent. |
| 5. | That you will forthwith run your trains in connection with the Government lines. |
On the basis of these conditions, the Government, if you are willing to lease and sell, and will at once signify a desire to that effect, will consider the offer they will make to you. You must be good enough to furnish also the information described in the memorandum at foot.
In making arrangements with the ratepayers as indicated above, you are at liberty to inform them that, should Parliament ratify the arrangement proposed, the Government will include in the ratification & proposal to reduce the present responsibilities of the ratepayers front 5 to 2 per cent., to run over a course of 20 years, commencing with the date on account of which the first payment is made.
—I have, &c.,
Edward Richardson,
Minister for Public Works. The Chairman Waimea Plains Railway Company (Limited), Dunedin.