WESTLAND DEPUTATION –

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1923, Page 2

WESTLAND DEPUTATION -

RAILWAY MATTERS

STUART AND CHAPMAN’S

TRAMWAY

SPECIAL TO GUARDIAN

WELLINGTON, Feb 22

The Westland County Council deputation saw Mr MeVilly (General Manager of the New Zealand Rnilwnys) this afternoon relative to the use of Government rolling stock over Messrs Stuart and Chapman’s sawmill railway between Ross and Maitahn, for the carriage of settlors goods and stock.

Mr Jeffries (County Chairman) intimated that the Westland County Council would give a bond relative to any possible damage to the rolling stock used on the line.

Mr MeVilly while sympathetic, said die Department were not permitted by law to use rolling stock on any line without a clear certificate from a iosponsible engineer. In regard to the particular tramway, the engineer reported in August la-t that the line required considerable improvement in respect to both pelmanent way and bridges, to bring it up to the necessary standard. Me agreed to have a fiiit her inspection made, when tie works deemed necessary would be pointed out to the film, and local body, but unless tile engineer was satisfied, the Government rolling stock could not be permitted for use. If the firm suplied its own roiling stock, stock etc would i.e required to bo tianshipped at Boss to the Government trucks. Tlie firm’s trucks or engine could not run on the Government line. HOKITIKA STATION

In reply to a question when enlargement- works at Hokitika railway stati n would be undertaken Mr MeVilly said they would be- commenced later. Tlie plans were now being prepared, and the works geiieiallv along the line wore hbing taken on a face, and the proposals for Hokitika would be duly carried out. A formal approval from the Hokitika Borough Council in respect to taking portion of the streets was now being attended to, though it whs understood by the Department that tliis matter was virtually settled at a former conference on the ground. homeward bound.

Messrs Duff and Evans are leaving for Christchurch to-night. Mr Jeffries is proceeding to Blenheim to-mor-row. and is (returning to Hokitika next week.