HON. W. H. HERRIES,

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1729, 21 April 1913, Page 6

HON. W. H. HERRIES,

SOUTHLAND LINES INSPECTED. (By Tolograph'.—Press Association.) Gore, April 10. The Hon. W. 11. Herries and party, accompanied by Messrs. G. J. Anderson and A. S. Malcolm, M.l'.'s for Mataura and Clutha. respectively, continued his tour of inspection of the southern railway lines to-day, visiting Mataura, Wyndham, ami Glenliam, where deputations waited on tho Minister regarding requirements. Ho spent tho night at Invc-rcargill. Several deputations', introduced by Mr. G. J. Anderson, M.P., wailed on Mr. Herries at Gore. The Mayor headed a deputation from tho Gore-Hedgehopo Hailway League, asking that, the line bo completed from Hedgekopo to Gore. It was pointed out that a rich agricultural and dairying country and an extension of coal deposits lay along tho proposed route. .The Minister replied that that was outside his, Department. If, the Hon. Mr., Fraser x was' in 'iavour,' ho' saw' no reason why a preliminary survey should not bo made.

A deputation of tho builders and wheelwrights asked that | the fe'xtra rate and a half charged on railage from seaport to inland towns on imported timber—Oregon, deal, and Australian hardwoods—lie re-' moved, and extra duty charged at tho seaport towns,. otherwise towns such:as Goro had no chanco in competing as manufacturers. The seaport towns could make timber with joinery and rail at tho ordinary rate. k The Minister favoured the. alteration of Customs duty as suggested, but. in tho event of 110 alteration being made would not agree to any alteration of tho railway rate.