RAILWAY TO CATLINS.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 184, 18 January 1878, Page 5

RAILWAY TO CATLINS.

Messrs A. 0. Begg, Banks, Henderson, Brugb, and Jowitt, were on Wednesday introduced to the Hon. Mr Larnaeh in Dunedin, by Mr Thomson, M. FI.R, Mr Thomson said that the gentlemen forming the deputation were all connected with South Clutha, and had been appointed by the Railway Committee of that district to see the Government on the subject of the proposed line to Catlin's River. It was unnecessary for him to say that the line had been frequently before the public, and it had also once or twice been considered by the General Assembly. Tlvj district was one of considerable importance, and it would be admitted that it was desirable that it should be opened up by railway communication. Ono of the objects of the deputation was to urge upon the Government the desirability of setting apart a block of land for the construction of that line. He also reminded Mr Larnaoh that there was a great deal of bush land at Catlin's River, and the general impression was that it was very good and well adapted for settlement, and it was to be presumed that by-and-bye the line would be extended through the immenso bush to that part of the coast. He wished to impress upon the Government the necessity of a survey being made of a line to Catlin's River, and even beyond it. The Hon. Mr Larnach : Your object would be to make the line from the present Clutha line to Catlin's River. Where do you propose to branch off ? Mr Thomson replied that would be for the Government to determine. He thought that it would be well that the survey should ue made promptly, so that it might be ascertained which was the most desirable route for the line to takr. The Hon. Mr Larnach was aware that the proposed line would pass through good country. Other members of the deputation also spoke on the matter, and referred to excellent land which was to be found in the district. They also pointed out that without railway communication, the district could never be properly opened up, and further stated that if a branch line was constructed to Catlms River from the main line timber could be supplied to the country districts at a much cheaper rate- than at present. The, deputation, in reply to a question, said that tho lino would be about 18 miles Ion?. s The Hon. Mr Larnach said that there was no doubt as to the suitability of the locality for a railway, and the question was which was the best way to make it. The matter would have to remain in abeyance, till next session. The system of setting aside blocks of land for making railways . . become peauliarly troublesome towards the end of last session, and it vrna thought it would be : best to adopt a joint scheme in repect to branch lines. Personally, be was in favour of the Go ; vernment carrying out the views of the deputation—namely, to set apart land for the construe* , .tion of the line- He had no doubt that Mr Mac - andrew would be of the same opinion, but as he < was not present he could not speak for. him. Th« ; survey would be gone on with as soon as,the ; staff . could be spared for the purpose.- lHe''Uug^&ted r : that the deputation should ; j»eethe 4 Hon.; Mr Af^c-Vj-andrew in respect to the reservation of- the land, 1 i:i and they promised to do £he next day ;V * , ;. ' : \i;- ; ; The interview then ended.--Morning Herald. L ,-: The same gentlemen waited upp^-iiir ; Macr:\j >' andrew yesterday / niprniDg, - and ' urge^';tliat"slft^reserve, be set apart to^meet the;cost;qf:theilint«&fjt!: A f ttr a discussion Mr.. Macandfe w ■ agreed^ t§-,adj|»{; vise that such a'reserye.be.- set apart-for:ttfe^pu¥?t-j s pose*, but expressed .an; opinion!^hat^th^^Jiri6|^iJ . should . . , be- constr ucte'd.-.- by,; a privatejf dpmpany|^v|' under the provision's /of f the ' Di3tnctslt^lwayi->#::i : Act;.. ,;/;/ : ■ - ,-: \v4SPifP