The Manufacture of Railway Engines.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4972, 16 December 1884, Page 3

The Manufacture of Railway Engines.

(Pbb Pebss Association.)

'Wellington, This day.

A deputation from the Trades and Labor Council, and Chamber of Manufactories, waited on Mr Richardson today in reference to the construction of locomotives in the colony. It transpired that Mr Hendry, Chairman of the Trades and Labor Council, had surreptitiously obtained a printed copy of the specifications which have not yet been made public. Mr Richardson asked how they bad obtained the copy, but Mr Hendry declined to say. As it happened, howerer, tbe copy so obtained had since been considerably modified. The deputation also heard that locomotives were to be subjected to the test of running 1000 miles, and if they did not answer, they would' be condemned. Mr Eichardson stated this was incorrect. It was also stated that certain parts of machinery could not be made in tbe colony. The Minister said Government were willing to do everything in their power to encourage the manufacture of engines, and monthly payments of 90 per cent, would be made. The great thing was to have the whole of the machinery constructed in the colony, eren if they had to pay a higher price for the engine, but Government recognised that certain parts, such as tubing, etc., would require to be imported. Ten engines were to be made daring tbe next two years,—the first to be handed over in eighteen months. The Government would suppy a locomotive as a model, so that no mistake might be made as to measurement.