RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2392, 1 December 1870, Page 2

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

The following petition is being circulated and extensively signed throughout the Province : To His Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Otago. The Memorial of the Undersigned Residents and Settlers thereof, Humbly Shcwetli — That your Memorialists view with great regret the decision arrived at by a majority of the Provincial Council to the ellcet that it is inexpedient to make any recommendation for the initiation of Public Works under tbe Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870, until that Act has been considered by the various constituencies and by a new Parliament. That, whilst not approving the whole policy of the Act, and being satisfied that Railway and other works might be more satisfactorily carried out under Provincial management, yet considering that all works under the Act may be practically controlled by the local Government; considering the depressed state of trade in the Province and the urgent demand for Public Works ; considering that on all occasions the various districts of the Province have urged and are now urging the necessity for immediate action in carryirg out such works; considering also that all the other Provinces of the Colony are taking advantage of the scheme, your Memorialists believe that great damage will result to Otago by any delay ; that during the ensuing winter months, a repetition of the distress of last season of an intensified character will bo experienced ; that • the advancement of the interests of this Province will be stopped, while other Provinces arc taking advantage of the measure, and that a responsibility will att cb to us in connection with tbe loans which they obtain without our receiving any corresponding advantage. Your Memorialists would therefore request your Honor to press on the General Government not only the desirability but also the necessity for immediate action being taken in the construction of the Southern Trunk Railway, the survey of the branch line to Tuapeka, together with the Goldfields Water Supply Works, all of which are essential to the prosperity and independence of the Province. And as in duty bound your Memorialists shall ever pray. November 2-tth, 1870.