ROUTE OF THE NORTHERN RAILWAY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2607, 15 August 1882, Page 3

ROUTE OF THE NORTHERN RAILWAY.

[FBOSC THB “ PBBSS.”] WELLINGTON, August 14,

There seems to bo some misapprehension as to a statement by the Minister of Public Works in reference to the Northern railway from Amberley to Cook Strait. He made no distinct declaration in the House of the Government’s inter tion respecting the route of that line. He merely said, in reference to that and the Anckland-Taranaki line, that the Government would take every means of obtaining the best evidence and information as to the most advantageous route in both coses. This was in answer to Mr Montgomery’s speech in moving the recent no-confidence vote j but in replying to a Nelson deputation which waited on him about a week ago, Mr Walter Johnston made a more specific promise. The deputation urged on the Government the advisableness of obtaining a report of an independent commission on the rival routes, and expressed their willingness to abide by the report of such a commission. They strongly objected to the coast route as leaving Nelson oat in the cold, but were willing to accept the decision of a commission, provided it were independent and outside all departmental influences. Mr W. Johnston said the Government would be quite willing to appoint such a commission immediately after the session to report in interval before the raising of the loan. The Government would not of course bo bound to adopt the recommendation of such a commission, but undoubtedly it would exercise an influence in guiding their decision. At the same time the question would have to come before Parliament next session for the appropriation of the required money to be voted. 8o Parliament would exercise full control over the matter. Such is understood to have [been the purport of Mr Johnston’s statement to the deputation, the gist being that he J' will appoint a Boyal Commission to report on the question during the recess, and before the work is Anally decided upon.