THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11277, 19 May 1902, Page 3

THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

(SPECIAL TO "XHB PRESS.") DUNEDIN, May 17. Mr Millar, M.H.R., has impressed upon the Minister of Public Works the necessity for finding, employment for, an additional number or men upon the works on the Heriofc line. The Minister hopes to-engage a number in a short tune. With reference to the' criticisms levelled at him in regard to his recent speech 'at Tima.ru the Hon. W. Hall-Jones states that he was not correctly reported by the Timaru "Herald," several statements "having beea. confused.. There were -two-"distinct -votes,, one for railway construction and" tbe other for additions to open" the lines. The total appropriation for railway construction was £602,024, but tbe actual cash vote waa £561,524, tbe total required for the current year. The vota for the additions to open the lines was £800,963, but that was entirely, in the department controlled by the Minister of Railways, and! all that the Works De»partment had to operate on was £561,524. It was not possible to devote for «onstruction money vested for additions to open-lines. The* votes were in different departments, and it -was not possible to attempt, the transference without-the express sanction of Parliament. The position 'as to allocations tor the different lines had* been thoroughly understood" in the House when the" votea were passed. "While the cash balance stood at only £813, the work had been carried on in excess of .the vote because he liad some permanent way material remaining -from the previous year to go upon. 19 was true there was express authority in the case of most of the lines to incur liabilities over and above the amount authorised .for expenditure, but the continuing of the employment of men was all a" question of cash. He might incur liabilities for bridges, etc., but the cash was being exhausted ■. and he had to cut down the expenditure to make the money and work fit "in to the end of the current year. The appropriation total induded j876,000 for the permanent way, and other materials. In no case was it penaissdble for ihim to take for the construction of lines nioney voted towards the department for theN>pening of .lines.