CANTERBURY-WESTLAND RAILWAY.

Temuka Leader, Volume I, Issue 67, 7 August 1878, Page 2

CANTERBURY-WESTLAND RAILWAY.

In reply to the deputation of West Coast members on the subject of a line across the Middle island, connecting Canterbury and Westland, the Hon, J. Macandrew said : All lie could say was that he concurred in all the advantages pointed out; that he was fully alive to the importance of the subject, and that the Government were very anxious indeed to see the work undertaken. But it was just a question of means. He might say that some time ago, thinking it possible to follow the plan adopted in the United States, he had given instructions to have a topographical survey of the country furnished, so far as possible, with a view to enable the Government to know wiiat available country there was or might be ; but he had not yet seen it. That at the present time was the only feasible way of carrying out the undertaking. It would cost a large sun: of money, but if it would open up land the cost might be recouped. That, he believed, would be the legitimate way of doing it. If the Government had the money it could be devoted to more urgent affairs ; but, as it was, he was afraid the loan was pretty well absorbed. There was no doubt whatever the ocean steamers would use the Greymouth coal, in addition to the local consumption, and it was the only steam coal that had yet been discovered in New Zealand. He did not know that he could say much more ; but the matter was under consideration, with a view of giving practical shape to it. Later on Mr George said : 1 presume, if you get a favorable report on the laud, you will be in favor of going on at once ? Mr Macandrew : If the report is favorable I shall reserve the land from sale. Mr Woolcock asked if the Minister for Public Works advocated the. construction of the line on that principle j Mr Macandrew replied in the affirmative, as the laud would greatly increase in value.— ‘ Otago Witness.’ .