M.P.s ON TOUR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 28, 1 February 1913, Page 3

M.P.s ON TOUR.

IN CENTRAL OTAGO,

Op the return of the party from Central Otago on Wednesday, several of the members were interviewed by tho ‘Otago Daily Times’ as to their impressions of the country passed through. The result was that without exception the opinions expressed were very favourably disposed towards it. In fact, many have confessed that the visit has been instrumental in Temoving the unfavourable impression that they had hitherto entertained regarding the tour. Among those who were included in the interviews were our own member, Mr. J. B. Hine, and Taranaki’s representative, Mr. H. J. H. Okey. The ‘Times’ ’ report of their remarks was as follows :

Mr. J. B. Hine, representing the Stratford electorate, spoke interestingly and to the point. “My opinion is,” he said, “that if the settlers have the confidence in their country that they give voice to they should he in a position to readily agree either to a differential rate mf the railway a kind of guarantee for payment of interest, or a direct guarantee from the settlers to the State provided the State was in a position to build the line. There is also another alternative, and that is to give the local authority or authorities power to build a light line of railway, subject to resumption by the State at any time. So many lines in the South Island are not paying 3 per cent, that 1 consider it the duty of the Government to see that the money borrowed by the Dohiinion should reap at any rate a reasonable rate of interest ito cover working expenses.” Mr. Hine concluded with a reference to the wonderful effect of irrigation and to the great future which, he held, lay before the fertile flat country in the interior. Mr. H. J. H, Okey (Taranaki) expressed the opinion that the expenditure which had been incurred in constructing the line through the heavy country that rah for many miles above the Taieri Plain had been so great that it was necessary, now that the line had gone so far, to finish the work, After reviewing the district and seeing the quality of the land and of what it could produce, he thought that the line should be extended whenever funds permitted. He was prepared to support the extension of the line when funds were available, and he also thought that if the Government had the money and there were no other more necessary claims, it would be justified in proceeding with the extension of the Lawrence-Roxburgh line.