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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5475, 14 October 1878, Page 2

We have reprinted elsewhere the Railways Construction Act. introduced by the Minister for Public Works on Friday. Wo invite special attention to this very remarkable Bill. It appears to be at once a Railway Bill and an Appropriation Act, and purports to give authority to Mr. Macandrew without any further reference to Parliament to enter at once into engagements for the expenditure of six million three hundred and eighty thousand pounds upon the construction of now lines of railway in the North and South Islands. This, with the sum of two million and forty - five thousand pounds, estimated to be required to complete the works already authorised and under construction, gives a total of eight million four hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds to be raised and expended within the next five years. In the Public Works Statement, delivered only six weeks ago, the limit of projected expenditure was given as eight million three hundred and forty-five thousand pounds. Since that time Mr. Macandrew has been able to see his way to place eighty

thousand pounds additional “reproduotively.” We are carious to hear how this “strong and united Government,” distinguished already for jobbery and maladministration, and which is daily exhibiting its internal dissension and weakness, will justify tbia extraordinary and unprecedented demand upon the confidence of Parliament.