THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1721, 28 November 1887, Page 4

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

The debate on the Midland Railway, ( which took place m the House of Representatives on Thursday, was by far the best we have had this session. Its tone was lofty and dignified, and there was an uitsr absence of that carping captious spirit which too often lends anything but a charm to our Parliamentary discussions. Each speaker took high ground, and while honorably recognising the duly of dealing with the Company m a spirit of fairness and justice, was still not forgetful of the claims of the colony to be also considered. The Hon Major Atkinson opened the debate by moving — '"That the House agree with the Report on the Midland Railway." After explaining that the ' Committee had gone to a great deal of trouble m endeavouring to put the contract m a reasonable form, he said that he did no) propose to go into the general question then, but suggested to the House two points to which they might direct their attention — the guarantee and the gold-mining - rights. He further stated that if the House agreed to the report of the Committee, the Government would . endeavour to get the contract made out m legal form, and signed before the House rose, if possible ; but if not that the Government should be authorised to negotiate with the Company for a-: revised contract, and concluded by expressing a hope that the House would agree to the report of the Committee. Sir George Grey originated a lengthy discussion by moving — "That the contract be considered In Committee of the Whole," which was ultimately negatived. In the debate on the contract there was a matked consensus of opinion as to the necessity of proceeding with the construction of the line. The only point on which there was any important divergence of opinion was on Clause 3, providing that if the land granted to the Company shall not be of the value of the Company shall select further land up to that amount. On this clause being read Mr Downie Stewart moved an amendment, the object of which was to pro;* vide against any money guarantee being Jgiven by the colony. Later on the Hon Major Atkinson said that he had been asked by several members to state the opinion of the AttorneyGeneral on Clause 3. The opinion was that the Attorney-General considered that Clause 3 was sufficient to prevent the Company making any money claim on the colony. Mr Downie , Stewart's amendment was then put : and lost. The remaining clauses were agreed to, several minor amendments having been negatived or withdrawnFrom the evident disposition of the j House to proceed with the line, we think we are safe m arguing a speedy and satisfactory settlement of this question ; for it has long been one that has proved a source of great anxiety to a very large section of our fellow colonists. We hope soon to have the pleasure of announcing to our readers that the revised contract has been signed. __