CATLINS RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXVIII, Issue 1591, 4 February 1902, Page 3

CATLINS RAILWAY LEAGUE.

A meeting oi the Catlins Railway Leagne was held in Mr J. J. Bam iy's office, Dunedin, on Friday. The Chairman (Mr Chisholm) after referring in glowing terms to their recent visit t > the Catling district the kindness of the settlers and their wives and families, rend the following letter from Mr Thomson, detailing what he had done to urge on the railway works ■ — Clinton, 21st January 1902. E. Chishoira, Esq., Sir,—l have written the Minister of Public Works, and have urged him to proceed more vigorously with the Catlins line. I said to him in my letter that a League had been formed in Dunedin for the purpose of pushing on the construction of the line; that a party, consisting of members of the League and M.H.R's, had recently visited the district with the view of seeing for themselves the condition of the work, and that they would probably soon communicate with him on the subject. You wished me to write you regarding the financial position of the line. During the session before last—that is the session of 1900—the sum of L 12,000 was voted for the line. Of this sum the Government spent during the financial year—that is, the year ended 3lst March last—thb sum of L 5061. Last session the sum of L 12.000 was again voted, but at the commencement of the financial year there was a liability of L 3485. This 3um was payable out of the L 12,000 voted, but even with this there was th» sum ef L 8515 available for expenditure jjduriog the financial year—that ia, the year ending 31st March next. The very alow progress that is being made with the work is not therefore due to any want of funds. I may say that the line for which the money is voted is the Catlins-Seaward Bush line—that is, the money may be expended on the line from Waimahaka northwards as well as from Owaka southwards; but Ido not think much money has been spenrt on the Seaward Bush part sinoe the first L 12,000 was voted. Pleaße show this letter to Mr Ramsay. Wishing th« League all success.—l am, etc., James W. Thomion.

The Chairman emphasised the urgency of pushing on the line, and saving the valuable timber tow being destroyed. Mr Ramsay spoke in support of the chairman's remarks, and read a letter from Mr Cooper, of Ratanui, informing the league that the people of Ratanui had formed a strong vigilance committee of 12 to act in conjunction with the league, to report monthly, and generally to assist to keep the league in touch with what was going on, It was resolved to hold a public meeting on the 19th of February to discuss the matter and to ventilate everything in connection with the work.

It was also pointed out in Mr Cooper's letter that the Government were still discharging hands. After discussion it was resolved to send the following telegram to the Minister of Public Works: —" Catlins Railway League respeotfully urge the more vigorous prosecution of the work between Owaka and Ratanui. Sum voted by Parliament not nearly expended. No excuse therefore for paying men off. Remind you of your promise to our chairman." ,

After passing a vote of thanks to the settlers in Catlins for their kindness to the party when in the district, the meeting closed.