DEPUTATION TO THE HON MR FERGUS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2098, 30 March 1889, Page 2

DEPUTATION TO THE HON MR FERGUS

(Pfiß PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Auckland, Msroh 30. A. deputation of members of the Chamber of Commerce and others waited upon the Hon T Fergus to-day aod asked the intentions of Government In respect to Iha North of Auckland Trunk Railway, nod a'so urged that the dan Francisco mall service be retained. In replying, Mr Fergus said he had come to Auckland to examine the route for the North of Auckland line, and report to Government ab to the capability of the land, oost of construction, aod so on. The Government had every desire to cirry oat the work of making the line. If ft was shown to be desirable it was probable they would see their *ay to carry it on, if not with rapid strides, at least surely, and bring it to completion at no very distant date. Tho north of Auckland, the Otago Central and Te Awamatu-Martoa lines were very much together, and they would receive fair treatment from the Government. Bdfore anything else was done an absolutely correot aaivey of the route would be made, so that th« colony would know what it was oommUted to With reference to the San Franolsoo service, the difficulty was the attitude whioh the House took last year. Personally he thought it would be an extremely disaa< Irons thing If the San Fraoolioo Service were closed. He would be extremely sorry for it. It was a good round tourist route; kept no m connection with America; and paid, if not dlreotly, at least indirectly. All be could say, however, was that he would lay the views of the deputation before the Postmaster ' General. The Hon Mr Fergus left^ tonight for Wbancjarel on his tour through the North. He proposes, m the coo fee of his visit, to Inspect the Puhipuhl Forest, It being the wish of the Government to conserve that property, and take stepa to,, prevent its destruction by hush fires-