PREMIER'S FIRM STAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 30 July 1907, Page 2

PREMIER'S FIRM STAND.

REFUSALS TO DEPUTATIONS. Per Press Association, Wellington, July 20. A deputation, representing the Builer and Kelson districts, waited on the Premier to-day to urge the extension of the Westport-Reefton railway, and authorisation of a section between Tadniore and Reefton, as well as authorisation of

lie remaining portion of the WestportMangahua line. The deputation particularly referred to the enormous mineral and timber resources of the districts concerned. The Premier, in replying, said that the Government could carry on : ; railway construction only according to the amount of money at its disposal. • During the previous year the debt of the colony had been increased fiy £1,1)88,000, and of that sum X 1,3-15,74!) had been spent in connection with the railway. That huge expenditure could not be increased. On the contrary, the total amount would be rither less. It had to be remembered, moreover, that during the year the Government would be called upon to make provision for £3,300,000 of fresh money, £BOO,OOO in redemption of loans, £1,500,000 in ordinary conversions, and £1,000,000 as a fresh loan. The first consideration of the Government must bo to keep the colony's financial position sound and healthy, and it was not intended to make any new appropriations for railways. The colony was carrying on a very vigorous policy of railway construction. The fact was sometimes overlooked that more was being spent, year by year, over successive years, than had been proposed under the progressive policy initiated by Sir Julius Vogel. The completion of the North Island Trunk line was the most

important work in hand, and that line would absorb some £400,000 during the coming year. While the Government was anxious to recognise the promises made by its predecessors, it had to deal with circumstances as they existed at present. Old promises were coming to light every day. in regard to vadons matters, and those promises made or .'epresented *,o have been made in past days, could not be allowed to override the exigencies of the day. The Government would carefully consider all matters that bad been laid before 1 it. A similar reply was given to another .K.utation that 'urged the extension of the Culverden line to Waiau.