THE RAILWAY PETITION.

Southland Times, Issue 709, 14 August 1867, Page 2

THE RAILWAY PETITION.

By the courtesy of Mr Louis Hume we have been favored with the following communication for publication: — Superintendent's Office, Southland, 13 th August, 1867. Sir, — I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of a letter from the Honorable the Colonial Secretary in reply to a Petition to His Excellency the Governor, signed by 642 inhabitants of the Province of Southland, praying that blocks of land may be set apart for the construction of a line of Railway to the Mataura, and for the completion of the Oreti Line. I have the honor to be, Sir, Tour obedient Servant, Jiro. P. Tatlob. Superintendent. L. Hume Esq., Chairman, Electoral Association.

Superintendent's Office, Southland, 22nd July, 1867. . Sir, — I have the honor to forward by this mail a petition signed by 642 inhabitants of this Province, praying that blocks of land maybe set apart for the construction of a line of Railway to the Mataura, and for the completion of the Oreti line. — I have, &c, Jjto. P. Taylor, Superintendent. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Well; og ton.

No 349. • Colonial Secretary's Office, "Wellington, 3rd August, 1867. Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of you r Hover's letter of the 22nd uHimo, transmitting a petition to the Governor signed by 642 inhabitants of the Province of Southlaud, praying that blocks of land may be set apart for the construction of a line of Railway to the Mataura, and for the completion of tbe Oreti Line, aod I have to request your Honor to be good enough to inform the Petitioners that tbeir petition has been duly laid before His Excellency. The " Southland Waste Lands Act, j 1865." enables the Governor in Council, to confirm a special recommendation of the Provincial Council to grant Crown Land in excess of 1000 acres (one thousand acres) in payment for the construction of public works ; but I am not aware of any power which would enable the Governor, without the previous action of the Provincial Council, to comply with tbe prayer of the petition. I have already expressed to your Honor in former correspondence the desire of the Government to assist the Provincial authorities iv giving eifeet to those provisions with a view to tbe construction of the Railways in question, and have explained the mode in which this object could be attained. I have the honor to be, Sir, Tour most obedient Servant, (Signed) E. W. Staffobd.