THE MANAWATU RAILWAY

Evening Star, Issue 12763, 16 March 1906, Page 1

THE MANAWATU RAILWAY

[Special to the Stab.] WELLINGTON, March 16. Ihe sequel to the abortive agitation for the purchase of the Ma/nawatu line at the present time is interesting. Having refused to buy now, on the ground that a saving of £50,000 may bo expected on th© second seven-year pariod, the Government are threatened with a demand for a posable increase -to £75,000 as a bonus for the tond seven-year period. The ‘ New Zealand Times’ intimates that, though th© Act is silent as to subsequent periods, it may rightly bo contended that the provision for 6 per cent. _ on the first period and 10 on the second implies an intention on the part of the Legislature to establish an increasing scaler of percentage, according to tho number of periods. The ‘Times’’ hints that this is th© meaning of the company’s reticence, and advises tho Government to reconsider tho postponement to purchase, in order to avoid litigation of probably greater. cost than a bonus of £50,000. It recommends the Government strongly to give the company immediate notice to buy. Th© town wears a broad smHo at tho suggestion.