RAILWAY DEPUTATION

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2012, 20 March 1914, Page 7

RAILWAY DEPUTATION

. . <± ;— TO HON. W. FRASER. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Inveroarglll, March 19. A deputation waited on the Hon. W. Eraser, Minjster of Public Works, today,;* chiefly in regard to railway extensions. 1 ; 'Regarding-the Wairio syndicate's offer ■ to, construct a railway to open'up coal measures, and accept Government debentures at.,4 per cent., tho. Minister ■said the proposals virtually meant that the Government should buy the line. The question Was one of policy, one for the whole Cabinet to deal with. The feeling last session was that the people who wanted lines to exploit their own mines should be granted facilities to , themselves provido ; them. When the full proposals had been received lie would submit them to .Cabinet. .Regarding .tho Tokonui extension, ho bad many similar requests, and was not prepared to. make promises which he might find,it impossible to, fulfil; but he would give the matter careful consideration. Mr. Fraser replied similarly in regard to Moa Flat extension.. •'VERY SERIOUS STATEMENT" .:..- » . INCIDENT AT ,THE CITY G'OTJN- '.;-'".■ ' ..OIL.. \Some time 'ago Messrs. A. S. Paterson, and Co. were granted a light,area at the: lighting station, and last night ■tho'Lighting. Committee- of the City Council reported that no action should be' taken with respect to the rcsuiriptinh of-the area. vWh:n the c'aus'o came on for discussion, Councillor AH. Hindmarsh, rose, and Baid that he wished to enter a protest. He proceeded to attack exCouncijlor Shirtcliffe in connection with the matter, allegiug that wliile a member of the .'council he, with the assistance of other councillors, had gained an advantage for his firm. The Tramway Board considered that the concession should not havo .been granted,- and it never would have been granted had,, tho council known what it was .doing. Mr. Shirtcliffe was managing director for Messrs. A. S. Patnrson and Co. The section in question had been spoiled. Councillor Hindmarsh.referred to the matter in strong, terms. ' Councillor J., Fuller: Councillor ■Hindmarsli has made a very: serious statement. .

Councillor Hindmarsh: I will challenge aii inquiry. v ■ ;'-'/.On-:tho -motion 'of CdWicilfor'VFuller seconded-by Councillor '': : U'.' Flo'tcher ■thß ciause.was referred back, in order that, the,facts may bo made available ■tO; councillors,: particularly the ', new .members. "■•.•■' "■• .''.-'.