THE DISTRICT RAILWAYS BILL AND THE GOVERNMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 1919, 23 October 1884, Page 2

THE DISTRICT RAILWAYS BILL AND THE GOVERNMENT.

[iJY TKLhCKVI'JI. — FKKSS ASSOCIATION.] Welling TON, Tuesday. In the House this afternoon the Premier, on behalf of Sir Julius Vogcl, gave notice to move next Friday, that the House go into committee to consider the following resolution :—": — " That the difficulties suuouncling the railways constiucted under the District Railways Act, and the hardships to which the ratepayers arc subject in connection therewith are such that this House considers the Government should seize a favourable opportunity to acquire the said lines, the cost not to exceed the value ascertained by a Court of Enquiry, presided over by a Judge of the Supreme Court, based on the actual cost at which, at the time of construction, the railways could have been constructed, less depreciation and deterioiation since, from a reduction in market value and wear and tear, plus any amounts the company, or owner 3 of the said railways, have been or may be authorised to levy on the ratepayers up to 31st March last, it being made a condition that all proceedings against the ratepayers shall be stopped, and all amounts icceived from the ratepayers be leturned to them, the Government to pey one-third in cash for the said railways, the balance to bear 4 per cent, interest, and to be paid in four equal instalments, the Government next session to intioducea Bill to make the ratepayers liable for one-half of any amount short of 4 per cent, which the railways yield, after paying woi king expenses, plus the cost of laibing the lates."