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Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3241, 19 November 1881, Page 2

We learn from a Press Association telegram that the directors of the WellingtonManawatu railway have concluded all their preliminary arrangements, and concluded the terms of their agreement with the Government. These are of a highly satisfactory nature. The company's solicitor is instructed to draw up the formal contract on the terms settled. The terminus of the line is to be at Longburn, about four miles from Palmerston North, this being found much the more preferable route to the Foxton one The Government do not require any security from the company beyond an undertaking to expend £50,000 within the first year, being content beyond this to rely on the powers given by clause 123 of the Railways Construction Act. Five years is allowed to complete the line. The allocation of the land has been fixed between the Government and the company, and the valuation made. The line will be 82 miles in length, and the company are entitled to £123,000 worth of land. A recent Government survey of the proposed main line through the Manawatu Gorge shows that it can be completed for about £10,000 per mile, or £90,000 from Palmerston to Woodville. As between Napier and Wellington, this line will be 33 miles shorter than the line from Napier through the Wairarapa. The financial arrangements to enable the company to commence work at once are likely to be completed in a few days.