FROM BALCLUTHA TO BEAJMONT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 33

FROM BALCLUTHA TO BEAJMONT.

CLUTHA VALLEY RAILWAY ADVOCATED.

T , ,f., f . . 4 BEAUMONT, August 16. Ine Ministerial party, accompanied by Messrs Scott, Allen, Malcolm, and Anderson, M.P.'e, left Balclutha at 8.30 a.m and drove to Tuapeka Month, which was reached at 1,40 p.m. After luncheon, deputataons were received at the schoolhouse. Mr James Allen introduced a deputation "f™^ 8 of the Tuapeka Branch of the • Clutha River Railway League. Mr P M'Kineray (chairman of the I branch, spoke first, and re-enunciated the I "foments used by the deputation at Balclutha on Saturday. Mr Allen said Mr M'Kenzie knew his j opinion about the railway — that the next Authorisation Bill ought to, and must include provision for consti'uctin-g the Hue as far as Tuapeka Mouth at anyrate — (Applause.) The Minister's observation that day would have dispelled the idea t obtained by glancing at the map that the Clutha Valley was served by two lines — one on each side. This was not so, as the configuration of the I&nd rendered it impossible that either of these could be used to advantage, or even at all. The Minister had only seen part of the land, and that in winter lime, but even so it must have impressed him. There were other areas at the back of it .vhich were of similar quality, and even better. The Hon. Mr M'Kenzie, in reply, said he was- pleased indeed with his trip amongst them, and was also very well pleased witfa the country he nad passed through It was a country which, in his opinion, wwars r worthy of a railway — (enthusiastic cheers), — especially the upper part of it. Of opjiree, as he said at Bal-

clutha on Saturday, the lower 10 miles would 'get no traffic, as experience showed that tlis settlers would cart their produce that distance. It was their misfortune that they did not start to agitate for a railway till 20 years too late. Why did they not start earlier?

A Voice : There were only two or three settlers here then.

Mt M'Kenzie said he was afraid it was very unfortunate for them that they had a railway 10 or 11 miles on each side of ths Clutha Valley, and it would not be 6ound policy to construct a line thaifc would take traffic from other branches. This, however, was a matter for the representatives of the country It was not * bit of good advocating a railway only to Tuapeka Mouth. If a line was to be nade at all, it must be made to Roxburgh, and the people who were depending on the other - two railways might as well realise- that they Vere not going any further. That was exactly the vjsition. The distance from Balclutha to Roxburgh was 61 miles, and for a fairly light railway for that distance £320,000 was estimated to be required. That was a lot of money, but he did not say it was not worth the expenditure. It would have to be inquired into, and a great, deal more information obtained before ihe\ railway could be started, especially" from the fact that one railway was within 22 miles of Roxburgh and another within 26 miles. Until he saw tie whole country and went over every route, he would not commit himself by saying which should be continued. He advised them to bring pressure to x bear upon their representatives to make up^heir minds as to which line they would advocate, and then get them to ask the Government for 4jb.' Once it had been decided which line the people would require that line would be made. Ho recognised that the Jand passed over waa' probably the finest land he had seen in the Dominion. They had said it was a fine fruit-growing district, but he must say l*e could not see it. Ever jsince leaving Dunedin the only fresh fruit seen had been imported fruit. The stock-carrying capacity was very good, and grain-grow-ing could be carried on capitally. s*he financial position had to be taken into consideration, but, as far as -he could judge, until they had come, to a final decision amongst themselves as to the route of the railway, it was no use representing the matter further than it bad bean represented to him. Had he been xrepresentative of Otago before- the other railways had been -nade he would certainly* have advocated .the Clutha Valley line before anything else. The steamer service had evidently failed, but he thought it should be capable . ol improvement. Another service possible was that of motor waggons-^-a service of which could be obtained practically- as cheaply as' a railway, and rwssibly in many instances more cheaply. \ The first thing he would do after going over the routes would be to express his opinion to his colleagues At present he > had not made up his mind for one route against another. Mr Keenan asked for consideration of an applicatfon for a grant of £150 for j completing a road to a patch of 12,000 acres of birch forest on the Blue Mountains.

, Mr J. R. Mitchell detail the history of the load, and said' the Government had already given a couple of grafts, totalling about £50* The Minister asked what rates were paid in the county, and was told Id. He said they might be raised, but as the sum was so small he was prepared to 'have the matter reported upon, and if the money was available he Would endeavour to give at 'east pound for pound to complete these 40 or 60 chains if necessary. Messrs Woods and Keenan conducted the Minister to the bridge over the Tuapeka River, and, after inspection, asked for a grant in order to complete the construction. The sum of £200 was required. The Minister said he was prepared to give pound for pound up to £100. The party left Tuapeka Mouth at 3.45 p,m., and drove to Beaumont through the gorge of the Clutha Valley, by which the proposed route of railway would go. Beaumont was reached at 7 p.m., andafter tea *deputations were received from, the residents in connection with the continuance of the Lawrenoe-Roxbur<rh railway. Subsequently a social was held in the Minister's honour.