PAPERSPAST

THE FOREST HILL KAILWAY.

A deputation from the settlers in the Hedgehope district waited upon Mr Ward with reference to the extension of the Forest Hill railway to Gore. The deputation comprised Messrs Macdonald, Miller, Gorman, McKay, and Haliday, who urged upon the Minister the necessity for the extension of the line, and pointed out at length the hardships the settlers at present labored under in the want of proper facilities of communication, and means of outlet for the district, which was a rapidly growing one. In the past they felt they had been somewhat neglected, and they took this opportunity of urging their claims upon the Government, feeling sure their representations would receive fair consideration. Mr Ward, in reply, said : I have heard what the deputation has to say with regard to the extension of this railway. Of course I am aware of the hardships settlers are under in not having the facilities railway communication would undoubtedly bring. All the members of the Government are favorable to relieving people settled in the country under similar circumstances wherever they possibly can, but of course we have to cut our cloth according to the means at our disposal for carrying out works all over the country. I will have a report from the responsible officers in connection, with the request you now make, when this report is furnished the Government will consider the whole matter and we shall then be in a position to decide whether we can do anything. Personally X am favorable to assisting settlers as far as I possibly can, but it is a big matter you are now asking to have done, and it is one that requires to be gone about with care. The officers of the Public Works Department must first report on it and all the Ministry must have a say in such a request. Tiio line would no doubt be cf very great vaue to a number of other settlers besides yourselves. I have not had an opportunity of ascertaining what the views of the other members for tbe district are on this matter. They would, of course, have to be consulted, as it is a work that would affect Southland generally. After I have obtained further information upon the matter it will be fully inquired into, but in the meantime I cannot make any positive commitment.

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