MR FRASER IN THE SOUTH

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8360, 21 February 1913, Page 11

MR FRASER IN THE SOUTH

THE LOAN AND PUBLIC WORKS. LIGHT BRANCH RAILWAYS FAVOURED BY MINISTER. Press Association. INVERCARGILL, February ‘JOThe Hon. W. Fraser, Minister of PubHo Works, is on a ■visit •to South land, and left Invercargill this morning for Orepnki and Tuatapere. He was entertained at dinner at the latter place, and received several deputations concerning local requirements. In an interview, speaking of the loan raised by the Hon. Jamas Allan at Home, Mr Fraser said he thought Mr Allen had been very successful indeed in getting the loan underwritten at the price and on the terms ho hod. Asked whether the loan would have any effect on his public works policy, Mr Fraser said it would not have any effect because all the money to be devoted to public works was earaccording to last year's Estimates. The loan would probably supply funds to carry on works until the end of October. Referring to railway matters, Mr Fraser said he was still in favour of branch lines being light lines and not standard lines. They could bo made at probably half the cost, and with the same gauge as on other lines. Their grade might be a little heavier, and the curves a little shorter, which would mean •that trains would have to travel slower over them, but so far as produce was concerned it could bo carried just as effectually as on standard lines.