THE RAILWAYS ACT, 1872.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 1022, 15 November 1872, Page 2

THE RAILWAYS ACT, 1872.

Befose the close of the session, a protest against the passing of the Railways Bill was signed by several members of the Legislative Council, and handed to the Speaker of that body, to be forwarded to tho Governor. The following are the reasons which were urged against the passing of the Bill in the protest: — I. Because the present Bill authorises the Governor to impose on the Colony liabilities on account of Kailways to the extent of £3,880,900 (being £I,SSG,9OO in excess of the amount already authorised by law), in addition to the existing debt of £0,955,93G, and to further sums amounting to £2,800,000 authorised to be raised under the Defence and Public AVorks Loan Act, so as to raise the indebtedness of the Colony, actual and authorised, to upwards of 14 millions and a-half sterling —an amount disproportionate to the population, and creating for the time an undue strain on the revenue and resources of the Colony.

2. Because no sufficient data have been supplied, such as aro usually laid before Parliament in reference to measures of this kind, to enable it to form an accurate judgment upon the various railway schemes to which effect is given by this Bid. 3. Because the Bill empowers the Government to incur liabilities so large in amount, without reserving to Parliament its proper constitutional control over the expenditure. 4. Because the Bill empowers the Government to pledge the credit of the Colony to a large amount, without , provision being made to enable it to meet its engagements. 5. Because this measure has been hurried through the Legislature without due deliberation, at the close of the session, when many members have returned to their homes, against the declared opposition of large minorities.

6. Because no opportunity has been given to the people of the Colony of re-considering the subject of the Public Works Policy under the present altered circumstances, and having special regard to the difficulty experienced in the introduction of immigrants, the unexpected advance in the price of railway material, and the necessary increase in the cost of railways.