THE WEST COAST RAILWAY JOB.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 113, 1 August 1885, Page 4

THE WEST COAST RAILWAY JOB.

Defections from the Government continue (Mr J. C. Buckland being the latest), and one is forced to the conclusion that the Government will not vacate the Treasury Benches until they have no followers left. There is said to be a disposition on Mr Ormond'a part to throw in his lot with the Atkinson party, and it is quite on tho cards that these two may coalesce. After the Canterbury caucus yesterday, several of the Opposition members talked over a proposal to submit the East and West Coast Railway to a select committee consisting of North Island members, and it was decided to have nothing to do with the Committee, but to fight against any proposed concession in any shape. The proposal, I may add, is not acceptable to a large majority of members. Since writing tho above, I have been informed that the Government have definitely decided to endeavour to secure the appointment of a Select Committee on the proposal.

The Government Propose a Select Committee. I have just ascertained from the Premier that the Government will this afternoon give notice to move for the appointment of a select committee, to whom shall be referred the question of tho East and West Coast railway. Before the appointment is allowed, the whole question will be fully debated. It is stated that a meeting of the Opposition party held this morning, 45 members were 'said to be opposed to the appointment of the Committee, and 2S to favour it, Mr Ballanoo boing regarded as doubtful. The opponents of the proposal point out there is no analogy bebetween this railway and the North Island trunk line, and that the Select Committee regarding the latter was merely for the purpose of deciding the route. Sir George Grey, whom I have just]seen, rather favours the idea of referring the matter to a Select Committee.