BALCLUTHA-TUAPEKA MOUTH RAILWAY.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 1208, 19 November 1919, Page 3

BALCLUTHA-TUAPEKA MOUTH RAILWAY.

o LEADER OF OPPOSITION'S PERTINENT QUESTION.

MINISTERIAL EXPLANATION. SIR WM. PHASER STILL UNDECIDED.

In tho House on Monday Sir Joseph Ward asked -what had hapened to the proposed railway from Balcltutha to Tuapeka.Mouth. He understood that a survey had been made in 1913, but the grant for it now seemed to have disappeared altogether. Sir Ww. Praser said it was found that this was a very awkward railway to build because, in order to got a turning point, the lino would have to go on to Stirling. Then it was found that a better line might be surveyed to open up better country. There was also a third alternative route. Because of the depletion of the engineering staff, owing to the war, ho could not put men on to this line, as there were more important works with a prior <!aim. He now intended to have the matter attended to It was a very serious question, and they did not want to make any mistake about it. Mr Malcolm askod if it was not a fact that a sum had been put-on the Estimates tor the line.

The Minister replied that no .sum for the work could be voted until the department, was satisfied as to the ruote.

Mr Malcolm: But is it not a fact 'hat th e railway has been authorised, and that a sum has been on the Estimates

Sir Wm. -Praser eaid that was correct.

Mr Malcolm: That is all I waut to know.