SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10062, 9 August 1910, Page 5

SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK LINE.

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER.

By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, Auugst 8.

A large deputation representing the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, the Marblorough Land and Railway League, and various local bodies interested, waited on the Prime Minister this morning to urge upon him the necessity of the early completion of the unfinished portion of the South Island Main Trunk line. The deputation was introduced by Messrs Forbes and Duncan, M.'sP., and a number of other members were present. Sir C. C. Bowen said the idea was that there was not sufficient land along the route available for settlement was fallacious. There was no work in New Zealand that would so well repay the outlay. Mr Marriner, of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the fact that the delegates were in entire agreement as to the necessity of linking up both ends of the Main Trunk Railway, Dr Redman asked that a very much larger sum than had ever been voted previously be plaaed on the Estimates.

Mr R. McCallum acknowledged the support received by Marlborough from Canterbury in agitating for the completion of the line, and said that only 100 miles was required to complete the Main Trunk system in both Islands.

TneHon. T. Y. Duncan referred to Lord Kitchener's remarks as to the value of the Main Trunk line in defence.

Sir Joseph Ward, replying, said he recongised the influential character of the deputation. The position was that the lowest estimate for the construction of the line was £1,300,000, but it all probability the work would cost £1,600,000. This meant asking for a sum of #400,000 a year. This it was impossible to grant unless the country decided to borrow to an extent that would be imprudent or to stop lines already in course of construction.