DISTRICT RAILWAY.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 77, 22 November 1884, Page 3

DISTRICT RAILWAY.

Wellington, Nov. It). It is understood that the Government have commanicated with various District Railway Companies as to whether they wished to enter into arrangement for tho lease and sale of their linos. As regards the ratepayers the Government have taken a new departure. The Government have now laid it down as a condition that the ratepayers are to pay two-fifths of the amount, for which proceedings are being taken against them. The Government stipulate that on the ratepayers paying twofifths, proceedings will be abandoned against them until Parliament determines whether or not to ratify. The agreements, it is stipulated, are to be framed on the cases of ratepayers being relieved of further paymeuts than two-fifths, and the 20 years for which they are liable is to commence from the first payment. In the case of the Kotorua railway, the line not being opened, has cumbered it with difficulties about the ratepayers. In the caso of tho Waimea railway, a condition is added that tho line is to be at once worked in connection with the Government lines. The information asked for comprises all specifications, plans, &c, together with particulars as to capital.

It is suggested that the Maori King should be asked to turn the first sod of the Te Awamutu extension of the trunk railway. A boxing match for £50 a-side at Wellington resulted in PettergelL beating Perry fa three rounds*