Railway Works.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 276, 30 November 1901, Page 3

Railway Works.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] AVellington, last night. AVith respect to the Auckland telegram re discharge of men from tho Northern Trunkline, the New Zealand Times says the statement cannot be correct, as tho whole number employed on the nothern section is less than 600. About 80 or 100 have been discharged because the contracts are finished, and it was found that so largo a number cannot be profitably employed. It is always usual to reduce the number on such works at this time of tho year. The Times finishes by saying : “ The reductions, we are assured, are not directed specially against tho North Trunk, and a similar policy may reasonably be expected on the Midland, Otago, and othor lines.” Auckland, last night. Mr AV. J. Napier, M.H.E., has received the following tolegram from the Minister of Public AVorks in answer to bis wire relative to tho discharging of men employed on the Main Trunk Kailway: “Re the North Island Main Trunk Railway.— Tho statement that work on tho North end is to be stopped on the 30th I am sure you will recogniso as incorrect. You may rely upon the amount authorised by Parliament being fully utilised in the prosecution of tho work, both at the north and southern ends, and that by the 81st of March the progress will be satisfactory.” Mr G. Fowlds, M.H.R., received a telegram yesterday from a Southern member, stating that ho had not heard of any curtailment of work on the Midland Railway, but would make full inquiries.