OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Evening Star, Issue 11673, 4 February 1902, Page 1

OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Hie ordinary monthly meeSng rA the above League was held lasts , there being present Messrs W. Burnett (chairman), A. Bathgate, A G. Stomach, W. Barron, J. Jolly, jun., and H. F. Necs. Apologies were received from Messrs T. W. Kempthome, J. F. Arnold, M.H.R., W. Brown, and J. J. Ramsay. Mr T. Spain on January 29 reported that since last writing a considerable number of men had been discharged. At present there were about 300 employed on the work. The Ophir section is entirely closed down, and the mein body of the men are employed on the Poolbum Gorge, where the work is progressing at the ordinary rate. The tunnels appear to be going on os fast as possible, the first being through the hardest rock, and nearly complete. The masons have the biggest pier of the Poolbum viaduct half finished, and it is a grand piece of work. According to Mr Spain’s calculations the vote for the year must be nearly expended, and if this is so it will doubtless mean more work for the League. Mr W. Barron moved—“ That the City and suburban members of Parliament and the members for Wwkatipn and Waihemo be requested to be good enough to ascertain in time for next meeting (1) what is the present state of the vote for the Otago Central Railway; (2) how many men axe now employed on the work; (3) what is the position regarding each of the following works: Poolbum viaduct and the three bridges to cross the Mannherikia near Poolbum. Chatto Creek, and Alexandra respectively.” —Carried.

The clerk to the Lake County Council Avrote acknowledging the secretary’s letter, a(nd conveying the following resolution passed by the Council:—“ That the secretary of the Otago Central Railway League . . . be informed that this Council heartily sympathise with that body in their efforts to push’ the line, and will be glad to aid them in any way they legitimately can.”

In reply to Mr Bathgate. Mr Campbell said he had had no letter from the Alexandra branch of the League, although he had recently communicated with them.

On the motion of Mr Jolly, the secretary was instructed to write to Alexandra asking for a report as to what steps in the interests of the line were being taken by that branch of the League.