Kaitangata and Outram Railways.

Clutha Leader, Volume I, Issue 48, 10 June 1875, Page 6

Kaitangata and Outram Railways.

A question was put to the Secretary for Works on what footing the ' Government intended to put tha Kaitangata and Outram and G-reytown Branch Railways, undertaken by private compahu/a, and whether they will introduce the bills after approval 'f Mr Reid said that, iv regard to Kaitangata 1 Railway, a bill ! has been laid on the table,, 'authorising the construction of the line. As he had explained the day; before, pro-, vision would .be made in the bill giving tothe Government, or to another company iwhich may be formed, the right to extend i arid use, on equitable ternisj that portion of the line formed by the present company. The linb now proposed would be about four ; miles lorigj which would probably be; suf-< fieient for the purposes of the nresemV Government. It was just possible that when this line would be extended the present portion of it would be required. Care would be taken to protect the right of the Superintendent either to. have the 'goods conveyed at a reasonable rate over ; the line, or that owners of ihe line beyorid ■should have power to run trains over it by paying a fair sum. The. Government did not intend to introduce the Outram and' Greytown Branch Railway Bill. It would take more time than was at his disposal to thoroughly explain tbe reason why they would not do so. As it contained debateable matter, he did not think it desirable, to open up the question at present. The chief reason, however, why they would not 7

; take up the bill was, tbat the line would' Icompete with that which was proposed to be constructed by the- Gburicil, and which was the only one which could be looked upon as opening up the- district in the interest of tbe "people. In granting permission to these companies to construct lines, care must be taken to protect the interests of the/public.' It was the duty of. :that Councirtd see that these lines, were; J not constructed in such a Way ds to ■interfere with the public good-. He had 5 intimated to the gentleman who" took* so much interest in thisline, that if the object df the company was merely .to open^ upthe; line to suit their ?o*v£?tM^ attract that' which' p a sg7p-yer the J general public line, /there Jwduld~ be ho? objection on/the part df the Gaverriment." lie did ; not? see; fit to consent tolthat; cpn-/ Beg7uehtiy?the ?jGrb?4rnment 7could hot' take ? charge, of the bill, for '- the constructibn'pftbia line. . . ' 7 ' *" '" '""■"■.. "'.' "'' *■■-■=---■-*- \y