RAILWAYS IN OTAGO.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1053, 16 February 1911, Page 4

RAILWAYS IN OTAGO.

STATEMENT BY THE ,HON. J. A. - MILLAE. ,; (By Telegrajh-Prcsj Association.! Duhedin. February 15. , At Pembroke last evening a large depu-, tation .waited on the Hon.- J. A." Millar. The chief question discussed was the mat- • ter of railway extension to Wanaka. Various Settlers put , the case for exteneXn before .the Minister, extolling the scenic beauties aiid production resources of the district. The settlers, they said, were greatly handicapped through the cost of transit for produce to the market. ' ' The Minister said the object of his visit was to make himself personally acquainted with the nature of the country, so as to assist him in dealing with questions affecting railways and .irrigation. It was often very pleasant and easv for a man in his position to-say "yes ,, ■ to requests put before him, but in regard to the early extension of the Otago Central line he could not hold out much hope. The Government were very desirous of opening up country, but there were limitations as to the amount which the Government could borrow. ".Hβ'didnot think Parliament as at present constituted would sanction any great expenditure on Otago Central extension. The Minister went on to say he thought what might bo tried with - advantage -in the district was' the ltennrd system of road train, with which experiments were being tried in Queensland. If after seeing the district he thought such a systora would bo suitable, he would bo prepared to ask Cabinet to outhoriso him to try it as an experiment between Clyde mid "Wanaka. ' He explained the working of the Keiiard- train, which would travel at a speed of ; from six .to eight miles an liour., . In regard to the proposal'to insial a motor service between ClySj and -Wnnafca during the summer season, he would be prepared to support any recommendation the Minister in charge of the Tourist Department might make in this direction. The Minister said he bad'great hopes of benefit • likely to accrue to'the district from irrigation, , but if any of the system were adopted the settlers usi.ng the water would have to contribute towards the cost of the water used on thtir land*. ,