RAKAIA AND ASHBURTON FORKS RAILWAY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1357, 21 December 1885, Page 2

RAKAIA AND ASHBURTON FORKS RAILWAY.

[from our methven CORRESPONDENT ] The passing of the District Railways Purchasing Bill of last session was baited t>y the settlers and ratepayers of the Kakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway District with a certain degree of satisfaction, inasmuch that it provided for the abolition at no distant date of the very unpopular railway rates, and gave grounds for hope that the exorbitant rates hitherto charged on the branch line would be reduced as soon as the Government took charge of the same. Since negotiations for the purchase of the line oommencd between the Government and the Company many anxious enquiries have been made as to when they would be completed. Very unexpectedly the formal business of handing over the line took place at Methven on Friday last. About half-past two a special train arrived from Christchurch. The passengers were— Messrs Hannay, Back, Burnett, and Acton Adams representing the Government, and Me-srs Henderson (secretary), Gcesson (iolioitor), B. S. Coster, G. Holmes, and other Directors representing the Company. There were also present a number of shareholders and friends from Christchurch and Bakaia. After the business in connection with the Hue was finished, the Directors entertained the party at a champagne luncheon at Rowse’s Canterbury hotel. After £he appetising viauds provided by the hostess had been disposed of, several toasts were duly honored. Amongst others, “ The Directors of the Company,” “ The Secretary,” and “Mr Back.” The party returned to Christohnrch by special train at 4 p m.