THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 352, 11 October 1898, Page 2

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION). Wellington, Last Night. A deputation of Canterbury, Westlaud and Nelson members waited on the Premier and the Minister for Public Works this afternoon, with respect to the present position and intention of the Government as to the Midland Railway. Mr Seddon, in reply, said the colony could not take possession of the Hue until a default of tifteen months had been made by the company of the payment of the moneys expended. If the claims were met within the period the Crown lost its right to take the railway over. It would be a sign of great weakness if the Government asked for a compromise for the purpose of having the company's lands opened for settlement. Representatives of the company had suggested to him, while in London, a new contract whereunder, instead of a land grant, the colony should guarantee, at 3 per cent, for ten or tifteen years, all the moneys expended on the line. This proposal involved a guarantee of £452,000 fur fifteen years, and the land grants would yield £500,000 to the Government. He was prepared to accept this, but Mr Young, the receiver iu the colony, had infouncf him it was not likely to be accepted by the debentureholders. The opinion of the Government was that the time had arrived when the colony should bring an action against the company for the damages incurred by their default, and ask the Courts to declare the lauds open for settlement.