RAILWAY WORKS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1508, 17 July 1905, Page 2

RAILWAY WORKS.

’(Fob P»ess Association.); Wellington, last night. I A deputation representing the Auckland | and Wellington Chambers of Commerce I waited on the Minister for Public Worlfß I to urge the speedy completion of the North I Island main trunk railway, and the J acquirement of the Manawatn Company’s j lino. The Minister, in reply, said that the I Department was doing its best in regard j to this line. The work was particularly difficult. While they had given’it as much attention as possible, they could not overlook the interests of other districts. More- | over, while the tourfst traffic was very important, tho demands and requirements of settlers had to receive consideration. It was pointed out to the Minister that Parliament would, vote any sum he chose to ask for the main trunk line, and ho was asked whether he would place £500,000 on the estimates. The Minister replied that he did not want authorisation of more money than could be profitably expended. He hoped the line would be completed in three years, but could not make a definite promise. It was desirable for the colony to acquire the Manawata Company’s line, but it should not pay an unreasonable sum. He could complete a line as serviceable as that at a lesser cost than the Company would probably ask.