THE NORTHERN TRUNK RAILWAY.

Evening Star, Issue 4057, 26 February 1876, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE NORTHERN TRUNK RAILWAY.

1 The necessity of completing as early as Kossible that portion of the Dunedin and loeraki line of railway from Palmerston to Moeraki was brought under the notice of-the Minister for Public Works ou Wednesday last. The Mayor of Palmerston having stated the object of the deputation, also mentioned that the contractor had intimated that if a bonus were granted them they would guarantee to complete the line in sixteen months, by the accomplishment of which the public would gain considerably, inasmuch as the transit of produce and goods of all descriptions from place to place would be greatly facilitated. It was understood there was some difficulty about the tunnel between Palmerston and Dunedin. Mrjdichardson . said he did not think so. • MrYoung also • pointed out that if the construction—the completion, in fact—of - the railway could be hurried on as suggested, a great boon would undoubtedly be conferred on Palmerston. Mr Arkle remarked that one of-: the best proofs they could have of the. reproductive! character of the work was the fact that the contractors had themselves offered to carry out the work in- sixteen months provided the Government would allow them to work the line,. Mr Richardson assured the deputation that he should be glad to get the work done as soon as it was possible to' do so. Mr Rich pointed out that amongst other valuable products in : the district there was coal, which the Government engineers had spoken:of to the owners of the mine jn very high terms, ■Mr • Richardson said he expected to meet the engineer shortly and he would see what could be done. If -the engineer saw his way to recom mend the adoption of what had been suggested, he (Mr Richardson) would he Only , too glad to do all he could to help the work, along. Mr Rich impressed upon .Mr Richardson the fact that by ’carrying, out the ‘work as suggested thousands of pounds would be savea to those persons who- had grain and other produce to send from place to place. Persons who had thirty-eight miles of ; waggonageto pay for could not be expected to • pompete with persons who had not that ; difficulty to face, and if the line could be' ' completed in sixteen months instead of in -two years the produce during one season at least could be ~ forwarded by rail, which otherwise would have to.be sent away under niuch less favorable, circumstances. The Mayor further reminded Mr Richardson that if a bonus were giveri by the Government it would be recouped to them. After a little. further discussion Mr Richardson reiterated his promise and the deputation withdrew.— ‘Herald;’ ,'