PARLIAMENTARY.

PUBLIC "WORKS STATEMENT. DEBATE OX THE SCHEME. T" GOVERNMENT PLAT A DESPERATE GAME. A CASE Off NECK OR NOTHING. [From the Associated Puess.] Wellington, Saturday. Yesterday the Oamaru and Maerewhenua Bail way Bill passed. On a motion to go into Committee on the Bail way Bill, Ormoud made his Public Works Statement. As to railways, be said the estimated amounts were only estimates as surveys, which, in many cases, were not sufficiently advanced, and he was unable to supply accurate calculations. The amounts ■were simply as near as possible, with the information available, and were subject to alterations from variations in the labour market, and other causes; except in the case of the Waitara railway, which was exceptional on account of its political importance, Government would construct 50 line unless the chief engineer gave a certificate that it would pay working expenses. 3ae estimated cost included land, engineering, and office expenses, stations, rolling stock, and everything complete. The sums Btated after the number of miles in each case is the amount required to complete in addition to the amount already authorised for the line. Helensville lo Kiverhead, 17 miles, already contracted for at the authorised amount, to be completed in September, 1573. Riverhead to Auckland, 23 miles, £67,500 ; surveys to be ready by March, when the Government would be prepared to contract, and if the line was likely to pay it would be completed in three years. Auckland to Mercer, 4G miles, £132,500, including branch to Onehunga, the greater portion already contracted for ; to be completed September, 1575. Napier to Waipukurau, 45 miles, £29,000 ; 18 miles already under contract, to be completed September, 1573. AVaitara lo Wanganui, 11 miles, £10,500; to he commenced immediately. Government hoped to survey the remainder of the lino by next session. It was intended that the construction should proceed simultaneously with the set'ieinen: of the country through which it passed. Wellington to Masterton, 70 miles, £35,500 ; SO miles surveyed, to be p<irh under contract, to be completed November, 1573. It was proposed then to let an additional 20 miles, and [the whole line to be completed in four years. Manawatu to Wanganui, 5S miles, £90,000 ; a tramway only now was authorised, but it was proposed to substitute a railway between Wanganui and Rangatikei, and a tramway thence to Manawatu. Thirteen miles of the railway were to be comnimenced immediately, and the rest according to the state of the labour market. The construction of the line could be conditional on the province giving laud as security for the additional £90,000 required. Nelson to Foxhill, 20 miles, £21,550, surreys now ready for coHtract, to be completed in two or three years. Picton to Blenheim, 19 miles, £45,000 including an extension. Bangiora to the north bank of the Kowhia, 15 miles, £20,500, survey to be completed by January, to be constructed within two years. Addington to Rangiora, 17 miles, £10,000 already constructed. Selwyntoß tkaia, 11 miles, including Rakaia Bridge, £40,000, nearly completed. Bakaia to Ashburton, 20 miles, £24,000, survey completed, line to be completed in two years. Ashburton to Temuka, 30 miles, £115,040, including three bridges, survey to be ready in March, line to be completed in three years. Temuka to Timaru. 12 miles, £7000, survey to be ready in January, line to be completed In two years. Moeraki to Waitaki, 40 miles, £99,000, surveys ready, to be pushed on expeditiously, to be finished in three years. Dunedin to Clutha, 51 miles, £70,500, contracted for, to be finished in September 1875. Tokomairiro to Lawrence, 20 miles, £56,000, surveys to be ready in March, to be commenced immediately and continued concurrentlv with the line from Tokomairiro to Clutha. Iniercargill to Mataura, 39 miles, £37,000, Tinder contract tj be completed in September, 1874. Winton to Kingston, 70 miles, £515,000, survey to be ready in March, railway to be carried on in 4 sections, to be completed in four years. Waitaki Bridge, £25,000 required, to be completed as fast as possible. Coalfields lines, eight miles, £25,000. Brunnerto Grey mouth, seven miles, £26,250.

Mount Rochefort, £60,000, to be all commenced as soon as arrangements can be made for working the mines profitably. Canterbury branch line, Rangiora to Oxford, Kaipai toEyreton, Kacecourse to Southbridge; "Waimatemain line, Malvin to Kolleston would be commeneeii immediately and carried oil simultaneously in accordance with an understanding with the Provincial Council. The estimated cost now for the whole of the above works is £3,661,516, as against £'2,719,016 formerly appropriated; the difference, £912,506, being accounted for thus—rise in the coat ef iron £450,030, Eakaia Bridge not formerly provided for, £40,000 ; Rangitata, Orari and Hir.ds Bridges not formerly provided for £80,000, increased rates for *works £247,230, making £817,230; to ttiis add approximate es tirnate for purchase of laud £192,900, engineering and office work £157,760. Total £1,167,890. Ibe average cost of railways would only be about £5,090 per mile including everything. Government intended to ask £10,000 for survey of new iines, principally intervals in the mainline. Christchurch to Dunedin, extension from Mercer to Waiknto, and the main line on the West Coast of the North Island, and also asked power to purchase the Port Chalmers line. After a debate the Eailw*y Bill passed through committee and was read a third time. In debate on the Railway BiD, the clause giving the Government power to purchase the Port Chalmers railway excited considerable discussion, Gillies and others urging that the purchase should be subject to ratification of Parliament. The clause passed as printed. Bell declared that the general proposals of the bill were highly unsatisfactory, and that the time had arrived when it was necessary that Pariiament should each year be ueked to make special appropriations for all works intended to be carried on during the year. On the third reading, Murray strongly protested against the whole Government scheme, asserting the railway calculations to be unreliable, and that the works authorised would cost not less than six millions. Stafford declared that owing to the action of the Government, and the policy of the iiouse, he, with great regret, had made up nia mind to wind up his private affairs and leave the colony. Gillies also spoke strongly against the bill, ■which, however, passed without division today.

To-day, after a brief discussion, the Immigration aad Public Works Bill was committed, * lhe greater part passed before the House rose. Rolletfton protested against it and the iiailway Bi»l, as an imposition on the colony. prorogation is expected on WednesSeveral members leave to-morrow. fTu? 6 e,rmiir^efc Reserves Bill passed. The Native .Laod Duties Bill discharged.

ffEOM ODB OWN COUItBSP<»WDBNT.J Albert Barracks Reserves Bill passed, Auo land Waterworks Bill will pass.

Ormond's Pwblic Works Statcmont is satisfactory to AucU laud. Opposition of a factious nature was given, but broke down. Proposals of the Government gonerally acceptable. Gillies refuses his assent to the basis of settlement of the Auckland claims on account of an old land purchase fnnd. The Government offer £19,000. The House is not likely to force the money on a reluctant Superintendent.