QUESTIONS.

Manawatu Herald, 25 November 1899, Page 3

QUESTIONS.

Mr Speirs : What is the amount of the vote for aid to railways ?

Mr Stevens: There has been pnssed from surplus to Public Works Fund various sums of money from time to time for construction, but something like £100,000 was voted for tne purchase of powerful engines, new rolling stock, and for increasing and improving the old stock. Mr Speirs: Was there a separate vote for ennstruc^on ?

Mr Stevens : There was i£ millions for railways and roads. The # Public Works Estimates show the amount devoted to each line.

Mr Speirs : What was the report of the commission on the Wrig^scindil ?

Mr Stevens: It was to the effect that the Government had nothing to do with the scandal, they had had previously recorded recommendations. The evidence is printed which showed that Mr Wrigg was entitled to the Cross. If he was not, the officers who recommended it must have misled the Government. The Government acted upon the recommendations of their officers.

Mr Speirs : You did noi '. '1 us what was the report of the Commission ? Mr Stevens : In substance, the report was th.it the Government was not to blame. Mr J. Coley: Would you get the Government to have the graves of those who fell in early wars seen to. Mr Stevens : The Government should see to the graves of those who fell in the early wars, and I will bring the matter under the notbe of the Government.

Mr G, Gray proposed a vote of thanks and confidence iri Mr Stevens as our member for this district. Mr Stevenson seconded it, and it was carried unanimously. Mr Stevens briefly acknowledged the compliment. A vote of thanks to the chair concluded a capital meeting.