MINISTERIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 234, 21 February 1913, Page 5

MINISTERIAL.

MR. ERASER IN THE SOUTH. By Telegraph—Press Association. Jnvercargill, Last Night. The Minister of Public Works, Mr. W. Eraser, is on a visit to Southland, and left Invercargill this morning for Orepuki and Tuatapere. lie was entertained at dinner at the latter place, and received several deputations concerning local'requirements. In an interview, speaking of the loan raised by the Hon. Jas. Allen vat Home, Mr. Eraser said that he thought that Mr. Allen had been very Miccessful indeed in getting the loan underwritten at the price and on the terms he bad. Asked whether the loan would have any effect on bis public, works policy, Mr. Eraser said that the obtaining of the loan would not have any effect, because all the money to be devoted to public works was earmarked according to last year's estimates. The loan money would probably supply funds to carry on works until the end of October. Referring to railway matters, Mr. Fraser said, in answer to a question, that he was still in favor of branch lines being light lines and not standard lines. They could be made at probably half the cost and with the same gauge as the other lines. Their grade might he a little heavier and the curves a little shorter. Such alterations would mean that trains would have to travel slower, but, so I far as produce was concerned, it could •be carried just as effectually as on I standard lines.