DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2213, 30 March 1881, Page 3

DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER.

WEST COAST RAILWAY. _ A deputation of those interested in the promotion of a railway from Christchurch to the West Coast waited on the Hon. John Hall yesterday, consisting of the following gentlemen Messrs Thornton, Pratt, Weston, Nathan, Wickes, Pavitt, and Parker. Mr Wickes introduced the dcpntation, whose object was to bring under the consideration of Government the proposal to form a railway between the points named as the most feasible route. Tnanks to the prompt action taken by the Government, Mr O’Connor had left with Mr Brown to inspect the route, and they hoped to receive from him a favorable report. The promoters recognised the difficulty of their position in bringing forward a now scheme, seeing also that the Government had never hitherto granted concessions of land for snob works. They had, however, entered on the matter with some hope of success, and thought it advisable, in view of tho limited time at their disposal, to ascertain if the Government could be induced to look upon tho matter as a general scheme, and if they would endeavor to bring forward a Bill to

enable them to deal with private companies such as this in any part of the colony. If that were done, and snch a measure carried, the promoters of the Weit Coast line could be dealt with during the recess after next session, instead of having to wait, as they otherwise would, until Parliament again met. They had gone into the matter very carefully, and now wished to lay before the Premier certain heads of n measure which would work practically in the North Island as well as the South. He (Mr Wickes) knew that Provincial jealousies had not yet died out, and it was known that certain parties who wished the lino to be constructed further South, would use every endeavor to prevent this line being established. They (the members of the deputation) were, on the other hand, men possessing no direct interest in the matter, nor any selfish end to gain. They, therefore, would merely lay the heads of these proposals before him in the hope that the Executive might see their way to do something with them. Mr Wickes then read the draft of the Bill EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY.

It is suggested by the committee of the promoters of the West Coast Kailway that tho Government should introduce at the next session of Parliament a Bill to enable them to deal with individuals or companies willing to construct, maintain, and work, for a period to he agreed npon, or to construct alone for the Government, trank lines of railway of not less than, say, fifty miles in length, as distinguished from such lines as are contemplated by the District Railways Act, 1877. The 3111, it is urged, should provide, amongst other things;— 1. That in cases of constructing alone, the Government should have power to grant land in payment for the line, the value of the line to bo based upon the cost of similar works in the colony, whilst the land granted should he taken, not at a statutory price, but at the market value immediately prior to the initiation of the scheme, without reference to any prospective value that the proposed undertaking may give to it. 2. In tho case of constructing, maintaining, and working a lino, a free grant or concession of land, valued as stated, and being equal to not more than per cent, of the cost of the work, estimated in manner mentioned, should he made to tho contractors.

3. That approved areas of land along the lino, and extending for a distance of twenty miles on each side thereof, be withdrawn from sale, he surveyed and ent up into blocks of rot less than 100 acres and not more than 10,000 acres, and he drawn for by the Government and tho contractors alternately until the concessions to tho latter are satisfied.

i. That free grants out of the waste lands of tho Crown be made for station sites aad workshops along the line and at the termini. 5. In the construction and maintenance of tho line the contractors he permitted the free use of the timber, stone, and other material npon the Government land adjacent. 6. That reasonable terms he mode by the Government for carrying along its lines such material, workmen and other employes as the contractors may require to construct the line. 7. That tho contractors be allowed to carry the lino and material required to construct it through private property, the owners being compensated in manner provided by the Public Works Act. 8. Contractors to have the use of the Government lines that connect with their own upon fair and reasonable terms.

9. That the contractors for making, maintaining, and working any line shall hand it over to the Crown, at such time as may he agreed on, upon re- i ceiving a fair valnation therefor. ( Christchurch, March 29th, 1881. It might, perhaps, be considered bold on their part to make these suggestions to the Government, but the fact of the matter was, they wanted to do away with delay in giving effect to ' their desire to have a line of railway running through at present isolated country. This was ( not merely a local matter. The whole of the country would be benefited to a very considerable extent, and the value of the land on either . side of the railway would be so largely enhanced that the Government would be folly recouped for the concession they made to the company. In view of these facts, he trusted the Premier would see sufficient to engage his attention and that of the Government. The promoters had worked very hard to get the scheme prominently before the public, and so far it was meeting with a considerable amount of success. Mr Weston said ho could fully endorse the remarks made by Mr Wickes. The promoters of the undertaking and the public, he might in 1 the first place say, quite appreciated the Premier’s individual promptitude in this matter, and the consideration of the Government generally. It was satisfactory to the promoters, because they felt sure that in the hands of Mr O’Connor the matter would receive due and proper attention, and also that it would be eventually seen that Messrs _ Thornton and Brown had spotted the line which would not only be moat beneficial to Christchurch," but to the colony at large. There could be no doubt about this —that the proposed line must be of very great importance to Christchurch, as such a means of commnnica- • tion would make it a real centra of commerce and otherwise of the Middle Island. It would connect ns not only with the West Coast but with Westport at a small cost, and also with Nelson, and this city would then be the grand emporium for the South Island of Now Zealand. There was also no doubt that many local jealousies had to be avoided and got rid of. Ho hoped, however, that the colony would treat this matter in a broad and liberal spirit—that the people would see that whilst Christchurch would benefit materially, the whole colony must in turn be benefitted to a very considerable extent. And if they conld prevail npon the House to accept a general measure, which would be satisfactory to the entire colony and suitable to the requirements of every district, that would do much to destroy feelings ef local jealousy, whilst it enabled the promoters to carry out this highly desirable enterprise to a successful conclusion. They wanted such considerable assistance as would enable them to make, work, and maintain the line, say, for a certain time. In this the company would not alone be the gainers. It would be seen that the land which was otherwise unsaleable and useless would be rendered available, and the proportionate increase in the value of the land thus opened up would be such that the concession granted must prove of advantage to the colony in the meantime, and the country would eventually get a line practically costing them nothing. There was a quantity of land between the twe termini which was at present useless, but which, being opened up by a railway. would be available for settlement. It had heen said by some that the quantity of arable and pastoral land between the points indicated was somewhat insignificant; but whilst admitting the force of those remarks, he felt that they must not lose sight of the forest land, which would be brought into use by this railway, and the development of the mineral resources of the West Coast. If it were accepted that all these benefits would result to the colony from the introduction of such a measure, he could not see that any difficulty would He in the Government giving their consideration to the matter, as one worthy of attention. The Bill, it passed, would avoid a large amount of delay which they and other companies like them would suffer. In the present case it would be impossible for the promoters to introduce a general Bill, and as the Premier would see, a delay of twelve months would bo very serious to them. The interest in the movement would cool down, and people who were now anxious to see the work proceeded with, would by reason of the delay feel that the thing had died out, and thus it would practically cease to be. He had heard it said that the Government before treating with this particular company were desirous of satisfying themselves that the matter was really genuine. Now, as Mr Wickes hsd told them, it was a really genuine concern. The people who were promoting this scheme, and anxious to see the country develops, were not actuated by any selfish motives, but a general desire for the public good. So far as he (Mr Weston) was personally concerned, his one desire in taking an interest in this matter was to see the West Coast (whose people had treated him in a kind and handsome manner during his administration there) in a prosperous and satisfactory condition. The resources of the district were unlimited, and when properly developed, would, ho made no doubt, materially aid us in paying off the debt of this colony. Mr Bain read from a newspaper the names of some of the promoters of the railway. Mr Weston mentioned that in addition there were a number of persons who had promised support, and were willing to take shares in the company when formed. But they (the promoters) did not see their way to form the company until the result of Mr O’Connor’s survey should be known, and they would not put the public to any expense until they saw whether the Government of the colony were prepared to entertain their reasonable proposals for the carrying out of the enterprise. . ~ The Hon. John Hall—Did I gather aright that, provided the Government were willing to contribute in land a considerable per-centago of the cost of this proposed line, the promoters will be able to carry it through ? Mr Weston—l think so. Mr Hall—On the understanding, I suppose, that the lino would be the property of the company ? , _ , , Mr Weston—For as many years as might bo agreed upon.

Mr Hal!—The Government to have the option of taking it over on certain fixed terms ? Mr Weston—Precisely. I do not think, sir, that there will he much difficulty in carrying oat the enterprise if the Government are prepared to treat us reasonably. Mr Hall—l quite agree with yon that this question must he looked at, as I think I stated before, not in reference to this particular line of land, but generally with reference to its bearings on other proposals of a similar character, or made under similar circumstances. The Government could not deal exceptionally with the promoters of one line and refuse concessions to those of other lines. We are quite as one on that subject—that any proposals made by the Government would have to be such as would enable Parliament to deal with any substantial proposals of a similar character. Yon will not expect me to soy more at present than that the matter will not only receive, but is receiving, the careful consideration of tho Government. I quite admit the advantages, in our present financial position, of dealing with tho question as suggested ; it possesses very considerable advantages. But the Government has a grave responsibility, of course, in dealing with questions of this kind, and must be careful not to say anything to commit itself before carefully considering the matter. I can only assure you that I have myself always taken great interest in this line, and if the Government can take any action towards promoting its construction without unfairness to other parts of the colony, they will be glad to do bo. I am glad to have your views on the subject to take to Wellington with me. I quite agree, that with your responsibilities it would not he reasonable or wise for the promoters to endeavour to form a company until they know what the Government are prepared to do in the matter.

Mr Weston said what the deputation were anxious to know was whether the Government would bo likely to introduce such a Bill as they proposed. Mr Hall—Tou must not ask me as one memher of the Government without an opportunity of consulting my colleagues. In a short time I shall be in Wellington, where the members of the Ministry will assemble, and this question will be gone into, and as soon as possible the result shall be communicated.

Mr L. E. Nathan remarked that the promoters felt it desirable that the matter should receive early consideration. Hence it was suggested that a general measure should be introduced with a view to smooth the way of the Government in giving the necessary assistance. A delay of twelve months would bo most unfortunate, and perhaps disastrous to the project; therefore they were anxious to lose no time. A point of considerable interest in discussing this question he took to be the fact that if this scheme were given effect to, it might extinguish a much dreaded question periodically arising in this part of the colony—namely, the unemployed. If the railway were established, working men could be removed from one centre of population to another with facility, and when it was considered that the West Coast presented an extensive field of labor, there seemed some chance of a solution of what up to the present time had been considered a very difficult prob.em. He would urge that as one strong reason why the suggestions made should ensure the upport of the Government.

Mr Hall quite agreed that it was the duty of the Government to come to a decision on this subject at such a date as will enable action to be taken next session. It was quite clear that if the matter was to be dealt with in the way proposed next session, it should not be allowed ta pass oyer. At the same time he must not pledge himself one way or the other. With regard to the additional reason mentioned by Mr Nathan why the railway should ho constructed, namely, the unemployed question, he was not sosangnine himself that it would have tho effect Mr Nathan pointed to so hopefully, Mr Nathan pointed out that by opening up means of commnnication between the two coasts, the mineral resources on the other side would be largely developed, and this would cause fuel to be cheaper also, which in tnrn would assist materially in the development of the manufacturing industries. Supposing,-then, an influx of labor to take place here daring harvest time, such facilities for travelling would enable the men who oonld no longer obtain employment to pass away to another field of industry. A suggestion was made by Mr Wickes as to the completion of the Ahanra and Hnnmni line, but not as an expression of opinion from the deputation. Mr Hall explained that the Government had exprnded all tho money in that direction voted for this year. The deputation then thanked the Premier, and withdrew. RAILWAY BRIDGES.

Two deputations waited npon the Hon. John Hall on the subject of a railway bridge to connect Christchurch with Sydenham. They were received in the following order: — _ Mr L. E, Nathan introduced the first deputation, who were favorable to a bridge leading from the foot of Manche-ter street. He pointed out the reasons for which [this site was considered desirable, stated in a petition which he read, setting forth the amount of traffic which it would accommodate, the convenient access thus secured to the railway station, and the value of property in Manchester street. It would not prove an outlet to Sydenham, bat an inlet to Christchurch, and would bo found of very great convenience to people on the north side of the belt.

His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch stated that he had called a meeting of the Council to consider the question last Thursday, and he was authorised to state that in the opinion of that body the bridge should be placed as prayed. Mr Hall thought the question of construction was purely a local matter. They were right to consult the Government about the site, and he should be glad if the respective bodies in Christchurch and Sydenham could come to some understanding on that point, but he failed to see how it could be expected that the Government should be at the cost of the bridge, Mr Nathan said he had no doubt the residents of Manchester street would contribute a share of the cost. But he might say that an impression was current that at a previous session of Parliament a sum of money had been put on the estimates for a bridge over the railway. Mr Hall thought there must be sommistake. He had been told by a depn tation from Sydenham that Mr Conyers had made a suggestion on the subject but he did not remember any such vote. In this case the railway did not interfere with a public thoroughfare, and he failed to see why the Government should be asked to bear the cost of opening up a new thoroughfare. It was quite a local question. What he should like them to do was to come to some decision as to whether the site should be at Manchester or Madras streets.

Mr Richardson thought the records of the proceedings would show that a previous Minister of Public Worts had pledged the Government to put a bridge across the railway. Mr Hall—That was for making a crossing, I think, from Colombo street—not a bridge. Mr Richardson was of opinion that the promise had special reference to Madras street. It was made by Mr Macandrew. Mr Nathan suggested that as the largest propetty holders were in Manchester street there would bo a greater likelihood of getting a portion of the coat out of them. (Laughter.) Mr Hall, after further representations on the subject, said he would communicate with Mr Oliver on the subject, and sec what could be done. A deputation of Sydenham residents, accompanied by the Hon. J. T. Fisher and Mr Andrews, M.H.R., were then introduced. Mr Brown, Mayor of Sydenham, stated that a very strong feeling existed in Sydenham—the residents being, in fact, almost unanimous—that the proposed railway bridge should be at Madras street. They (the deputation) had come to urge this claim and to request the Government to give them a crossing there. Mr Hall repeated what ho had said to the previous deputation as to the irresponsibility of the Government for the cost of construction, and pointed out that there appeared to be a difference of opinion as to the site. After some discussion.

A report was read of a deputation to Mr Conyers, when that gentleman said a sum of money had been voted for crossings. Mr Charters said a sum of J!750 had been voted by the House. Mr Hall expressed surprise to hear that such a sum had been placed on the estimates, and he would make inquiries into the matter. At the same time, of course the vote had lapsed. Mr Fisher stated that he had laid the matter before the Minister of Public Works, who promised that it should be attended to, otherwise he had intended putting the question in the House.

Mr Hall assured the deputation he would lay their representations before Mr Oliver.

THE UNEMPLOYED. A deputation representing the unemployed was next introduced by Mr Andrews, who stated that the men were out of work, and fearing a repetition of the destitution of last winter, determined on asking the Government to afford them some assistance in the shape of employment. Having hoard what the deputation bad to say, Mr Hall expressed surprise to hear of unemployed at this time of the year, and did not see wbat the Government could do in the matter just now. He had hoped the really hard times hod br en tided over. TheGovernmont could not be expected to find work for every man who wanted it. All they conld fairly be asked to do was to supply men with a means of subsistence till they could find work at the ordinary rate of wages. At present ho thought it would be premature for him to say what the Government might do at a time of the year when work was sL.ck.