REPLY TO CRITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2894, 25 August 1909, Page 27

REPLY TO CRITICS.

WELLINGTON, August 23. In the course of an interview to-day, the Hon. T. Mackenzie- referred to tlVe deputation which -waited upon his colleague in Dunedin the other day regarding the Lawrence-Roxburgh railway. Some of the speakers, lie said, quoted portions of his (Mr Mackenzie's) remark* made in 1905 in reference to this railway, but they did not quote them enffic-iently fully to give his entire views on the subject. It was true that, as against that Edievale route, Mr Mackenzie had said that the Lawrence-Roxburgh route was the best. When the Cabinet recently decided to stop the latter line Mr Mackenzie then suggested the extension of the line proposa to Tuapeka Mouth for the purpoea of opening up the fruit-growing districts of Otago. The rich lands extending on both fides of the river to Tuapeka Mouth, he saifl", amply justified a railway by that route, and would provide revenue sufficient to make up for any le6s remunerative trade beyond. His idea was that a light, line of railway should be speedily constructed tip the valley, so that th« people now living might get the benefit of it. " That is," concluded the Minister, " the whole situation." " Another matter referred to was my pointing out that fruit could be taken more quickly to England via- the Panama Canal — viz., 18 or 20 days. This wasquestioned. My remarks in this connection were based on a return of distances furnished by tho Marine Department, and! on the performances -of British steamers, as published two years ago in a reliable Home journal. Even with dower boats and giving a week more, than the time I quoted, the benefit to the fruit industry shool-d be appreciated,' because with perishable exports like fruit time is everything and besides, might it not be possible to do a little fruit trade with North America in. the wiiirer season?"