THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY.

Evening Star, Issue 5588, 4 February 1881, Page 1

THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY.

At the Vincent Council’s meeting on the 27th ult,, Cr Pyre moved—"That, with the view of presenting to Parliament next session afair and impartial statement of (1) the pull o benefits to be derived from the construction of the Otago Central Railway, and (2) the capabilities of the interior districts of Otago for settlement, an independent Commission consisting of three disinterested gentlemen willing to act be" appointed to Inspect the

country commanded by the line; to take evidence thereupon ; and to furnish a report; the Counties of Vincent, Maniototo, and Tfiieri to nominate each one member ©f such Commission, That the concurrence of Maniocoto and Taieri Counties be invited; and that, in the event of any one County refusing concurrence, the other two to have power to carry out the proposal ” He thought some action necessary on the part of local bodies in Central Otago to contradict the advene representations of the Eoyal Commission. The “ Lightning Coramission,” by which appellation it was known, had created a scare in tbe minds of members of Parliament, as well as Dunedin men, as to the advimbility of constructing the Itys ot all. It was useless talking of settlement in the interior without some means of taking their produce to market. He had communicated with the counties interested, and had received favorable replies. Outside the County the line was looked on with favor. Recently Mr Wakefield, M.H.R. for Geraldine, designated inland Otago as a “ barren wilderness," basing bis statement on tbe report. Cr Pyke went on to show that the Commissioners’ report had done an incalculable amount of harm to the district, which would talf a very strong report to eradicate. The present lime, he pointed oat, was most favorable for an inspection, as they might tee the fruit and grain crops, and form some estimate of the capabilities of the interior. Respective county councils wculd take charge of the Commissioners, and show them all to be seen in each c uuty. The time occupied would be about a fortnight, and the cost for ooaob-hire and hotel accommodation, etc. —no champagne—about LIOO between the three counties.

Cr Colclough thought that if the expense would not be more than 150 to this County, it was their duty to keep the matter prominently before Parliament, The selection of persona who would carry weight with Government and the public was a somewhat difficult matter. Tbe men sent before on the “ Lightning Commission ” had the confidence ef Government, aod it was difficult to wipe out the impression created by their rethe j-eeent wag a l»yor•bli time, as the crops were now ripe. They were fighting a losing game, as Government would almost certainly throw discredit on any other report. Cr M'Ginnis thought the Government would not hold any report, because they did not want to heed anything favorable to the scheme.

Cr Jolly also supported the motion in a speech cf some length, suggesting, however, that if they could get Canterbury men en the Commission it would carry more weight; for if constituted by Otage men it would lose a certain amount of influence. The Chairman said this was a fact. He weald expect more fair play from Christofaursh than Dunedin. Tho Press of thelatter place was moat unfavorable to the Interior. Cr Stronach would support tbe motion if the counties were unanimous, He moved — w That all words after ‘Commission’ in the seventeenth line [i.e., empowering two counties to carry oat the work] be deleted.’’ — O Colclough seconded the amendment.! The Chairman, speaking to the amendment, said they placed it in the power of Taieri Gjuuiy Council to shelve the proposal. This was nawi««, as a member of that body swned property which was at present tapped by the line, and possibly he would oppose the extension.

Or Jgllt said if Taieri did not assist it weald show a division amongst themselves, a»d thereby they would have no weight. Or Pitches said the expense looked little, bat these littles told up. He wss afraid LSO would not oovtr the coet. Very few saw the “Lightning Commission ” till it loaded in Dunedin, and they could not have Been anything Of the country. He thought the Government were quite aware of the capabilities of the country, but they did not want a favorable report jast now. With a change of Ministry they might expect better things. The elimination of the last sentence was carried, and tbe motion further amended by adding “ That the Borough of Dnnedin be requested to co operate.” It was also resolved—“ That the chairman and Crs Jolly and Btroaaoh be appointed to select one member of the Commission.”