THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1510, 25 May 1886, Page 2

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

It is asserted by the Wellington post that a strong party is being organised for the purpose of attacking the Midland Railway proposals, and injuring the company generally. The paper goes on to say;— ( “Mr G. F. Richardson’s motion for information .on the subject of the land sst apart for the company, and the discussion which was started thereon was, to speak in racing parlance, merely a preliminary canter. The motion was defeated, but the supporters of it were well satisfied with their performance, because it tended to damage the interests of the company. Sir George Grey, however, overshot the mark in bis speeches, for in his eager desire to attack the Government he referred to the land agreed to be given to the company as a princely estate. Since the debate specific steps had been taken to organise a party to oppose the Bill relating to the concessions to the Company, and also to damage the company by other, if lest direct, means. Sir George Grey’s Colored Labor Bill is, we understand, a one-act drama to be performed, the prologue of which was enacted on Thursday. The Bill is intended te prevent the introducton into the colony by the company of Chinese, Coolie, or other colored labor, and, no doubt, the mover will find sympathisers in this aim, even amongst those who are favorable to the construction of the line by the company. It will be a popular working man’s cry, aui will probably bring about a severe party struggle. We are informed that it is the intention of the opponents of tbe construction of tbe line to have all their speeches on the subject printed in pamphlet form, and circulated broadcast at Home, with a view, if possible, to annihilate the company, if their efforts to throw out the Government Bill are unsuccessful. It may be taken for granted that the Midland Railway question is to he one of tbe biggest fights we shall see on the floor of the House this session.”