STONEWALLING.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 177, 28 July 1888, Page 5

STONEWALLING.

A COMPROMISE EFFECTED.

THE LINE CURTAILED.

GOVERNMENT TO CONSTRUCT A

SMALL SECTION.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —PARLIAMENTARY

REPORTER.)

Wellington, this day. Efforts were made yesterday afternoon to patch up the differences between the supporters and opponents of the Otago Central Bill. The Premie 1" having declared that the Govern" ment considered the measure of such importance that they would take up no other business until it was disposed of, an adjournment was made from 4.30 to 7.30 in order that a compromise might be arrived at. Meetings of both sides were then held, and culminated in a joint meeting of the two parties, at which resolutions were carried to the effect that the line be extended to Eveburn, 35 miles beyond Middlemarch, instead of 140 miles as proposed in the Bill, the Government to "undertake the construction and set aside sufficient land for the purpose, and tho work be carried out with the least possible delay. Theso resolutions were considered by the Cabinet, but no decision was arrived at, and on the House resumrrig, the Premier asked for an adjournment until Monday afternoon, when ho would be prepared to state tho courso the Government proposed to take. After a long discussion this suggestion was agreed to, and the House rose at 7.40, after a continuous sitting of 30 hours, the only intervals being those for rest and refreshment. THE COST OF THE EXTENSION". It is estimated thai; the cost of the exten sion to Eveburn, as near as could be ascertained, would be £200,000. Tho Premier will, however, give definite figures on Monday, but at all events tho distance provided for by the concession is,only twenty miles, while tho Bill provided for 140 miles. NORTH AUCKLAND RAILWAY. There seems but little doubt that the obstructionists have secured this point, that the North Auckland railway will be constructed on the same principle. When Mr Pi. Thompson waited on the Premier last night, Sir Harry remarked, "I suppose you will want the North Auckland railway made on the same principle V "Yes," romarked Mr Thompson, "we shall." " Well," said the Premier, " I don't see why it should not be done for one as well as the other." THE COST OF THE STONEWALL. Southern members say the cost to Auckland of this stonewall will be the San Francisco mail service. The feeling of Auckland members on this question is very warm, and they will look to tho Government to accept its duo responsibility. The direct service contract also requires renewal, and the Auckland members will have something to say on this question if it is attempted to abolish the San Francisco service. THE STONEWALLERS. Mr Hobbs appears to bo a trifle unhappy because he did not have a turn at the stonewall. He worked hard to keep it going, and was to have taken hia turn on the stump yesterday afternoon. The compromise, however, renders his speech unnecessary, and his notes are now waste paper. The obstructionists claim that they have secured a great victory against the principle of giving away largo blocks of land to foreigners to make the line.