THE GAS, WATER, AND RAILWAY LOAN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 119, 22 May 1871, Page 2

THE GAS, WATER, AND RAILWAY LOAN.

The following correspondence relative to the proposed , loan for the above-named objects has been laid on the Table of the Provincial Council : — The Superintendent of Nelson, to the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, Sir — The Provincial Government of Nelson is desirous to obtain a loan of the sum of £60,000"for the following purposes: Construction ' of a Railway from the Brunner Coalmine, Grey Elver, to the Port of Cobden .... £30,000 Construction of Gasworks_in the City of Nelson . . . 15,000 Extension of Waterworks in the City of Nelson . '. . . 15,000 £60,000 The importance in a Colonial as well as a Provincial point of view, of providing means for the; cheap transport of coals, which the Chief Engineer of Woolwich Dockyard has shpwu to be far superior to any of the Australian coals, and which he has pronouuced to be equal to the average of the N#rth of England coals supplied for the use of her Majesty's Navy, is, I venture to think sufficiently apparent. The construction of Gasworks and the extension of Water-supply in the town of Nelson are objects of a local character, and it is the intention of the Provincial Government ultimately to place these works under Municipal management. In the meantime both these works are of au immediately and directly remunerative character, and there can scarcely be a doubt but that the rates which will be levied for Gas and Water supply will relieve the Province and the Colony from all charges for Interest and Sinking Fund. You are aware that this Province has always been exceptionally reluctant to involve itself in liabilities, and I think I may on , that account appeal with more confidence to the Colonial Government and the General Assembly for their assent to the moderate 'proposal which the Provincial Government now think it their duty to submit for your consideration. In order that ho time may be lost in taking tbe preliminary steps required by the Standing Orders relative to Private Bills, I have, the honor to request that you will be so good as to inform me at an early date, if the Government will be prepared to recommend the raising of a loan of £60,000 for the above-mentioned purposes to the favorable consideration of the General Assembly. I have, &c, ■ , . . Oswald Curtis, Superintendent. Nelson, October 26, 1870. "