MIDDLE ISLAND RAILWAY COMPANY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3023, 5 December 1882, Page 3

MIDDLE ISLAND RAILWAY COMPANY.

[By Tele&baph.] Blenheim, Nov. 5. The Middle Island Rail way Extension Commission held its first sitting here on Saturday, in the Supremo Court Buildings, and were occupied during the day in receiving evidence. The following witnesses were examined : Messrs Henry G. Clark, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor ; Chas. Elliott, Vincent Hewett, John Murphy, John McKenzie, Alfred JDobson and Sutherland, McAlister, Inspector of Telegraphs for Marloorough and Nelson, A, P, Seymour, and Joseph Ward, The evidence adduced was mainly to show the character of the soil and climates along the East Coast and central routes, A very unfavorable description was given of the land between Hanmer Plains and Tophouse. It was stated that there was very little land suitable for agriculture. Evidence was given as to the severity of the ■winter on that route, and its long continuanee, also as to the great destruction of cattle and sheep during heavy snow and severe frosts. The genera! "pnion was favorable to tbe construction of che railway by the East Coast (where there was more available agricultural land) as tending to promote more settlement than would take place on the central route. \