DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2399, 10 December 1881, Page 3

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER

A deputation, consisting of the following gentleman, waited on the Premier at Southbridge yesterday morning:—Messrs J. B. Campbell, B. J. Lee, J. Hill Malone, B S. Webb, T. Wauohop, A. Cameron, W. Inwood, L, V. Desborough, W. Cabbie, J. Duffy, and others. Mr Gabbie acted as spokesman, and draw the attention of the hon. gentleman to the necessity of a bridge being constructed over the Bakaia at Dobbins’ ford, pointing out the numerous advantages to be derived by the residents on both sides of the river.

The Premier, in reply, stated that ho understood some gentlemen had the idea of assistance being given by the Government to a company on the principle embodied in the Bailways Construction Act. He pointed out the dissimilarity of the two cases. The bridge would benefit only settled districts, whilst the railways coming within the scope of the Act would largely benefit Crown lands, and open up new country for settlers. Mr E. S. Webb said such was his idea, but the Government would be benefitted by the largely increased railway traffic and increase of population; and although there were no Crown lands on the route, there were large blocks in other districts which would be gladly accepted by the company. Mr Hall said it was the proposal of the Government to grant greater facilities for the construction of, not only main roads and bridges, but also local ones, paying a proportion of three to four in the former, and onethird in the latter, and promised to use all his influence in getting for the proposal of the Government the sanction of Parliament. Prom the examples adduced, he thought the district would have no difficulty in proving its claim to the larger grant. Mr Lee also noticed that in the event of an accident happening to the present railway bridge, the one proposed to be built would be found of great assistance. Mr Hall stated that theSelwyn district had a claim on the Government, as but very little funds had ever been spent on it in comparison to other localities. Mr Hall also promised to enquire into the mid-day train, and if it could be proved that it could be run at anything like a remunerative rate it would be put on again at once. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Hall for the courteous manner in which he had received the deputation, and for his satisfactory replies.