The Main Trunk Railway.

Manawatu Herald, 31 July 1902, Page 2

The Main Trunk Railway.

THE MINISTER SPEAKS OUT. A deputation of North Island members waited on Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon, Hall-Jones on Monday morning to urge a speedy construction of the North Island Main Trunk line, and suggested the loan should be increased; in order to bring about the desired object, and if necessary they would vote for an additional £700,000 or £750,000 for the work. Sir Joseph Ward,,in replying, said the Government was not going to be dictated to. When they had decided on the course of action tbey : were not going to be dictated to by members. Tlie proper way would be’ ; to' get another Government, if the members were not satisfied with the manner in which the North Island Trunk Line was being pushed on. The Government would not be forced in the matter, and he advised members of the House, to have patience,.and await the Public Works He ridiculed the suggestion of one of the • deputation that the line could not be completed under four or five years. The deputation' had taken the step of condemning the Government before they saw whether the Government could ’fulfil its promises.

Mr Hall-Jones pointed out the progress that was being made on the line, and said the delays that had occurred were not due to the cooperative system, but to contract work.