RAILWAY MATTERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2067, 19 December 1907, Page 2

RAILWAY MATTERS.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. REVENUE STILL LARGE. PLANS FOR CONSTRUCTION. Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec. 18. The Premier .reached Feathers ton from Tailiapo at 12,30 Ito-day. He was driven by motor-car to Martinborough, where he was met'by Mr. J. T. M. Hornsby, member for the district, and the Town Board, and tendered an address of welcome by Mr. Ross, chairman of the Town Commissioners.

Tlie Premier, in replying,.said that whilst motoring from Featherston he had had the line of the suggested railway pointed out to him, and whilst he coul’.d not make any promises, he was pleased to have tlie opportunity of seeing tho country. He went on to say that he was pleased to see the progress that had been made by tlie town in revenue and the increase of population, which was now nearing the number necessary for the formation of a borough; and he would be pleased to do all lie could to assist to that end. Referring to railways he said that it Was a mark of the steady growth of tlie country that whilst they had been able to grant concessions to the extent of £BOO,OOO, the revenue from the railways was about £2,300,000, which showed tho remarkable prosperity of the Dominion. He added that this was not brought about by any boom, but by tlie steady; increasing industry of the people generally. Representations were made to the Premier urging that a railway should be constructed from Featherston to Martinborough. Mr. Hornsby reminded the Premier that ho had promised to have a flying survey made of the suggested route, which, lie said, presented no engineering difficulties, adding that the residents of the district were prepared to offer a guarantee similar to that under which tile Paoroa lino was constructed by taking up debentures and allowing the Government to take it over whenever they felt disposed. The Premier, in replying, said that there were seventeen different lines now under construction, and demands were being made from all parts of the country for tlie opening of new lines. He could only reiterate the statement made before that no new lines could be undertaken at present. Tho sum of £77.5,000 was being expended on seventeen lines, of which £330,000 was for the Main Trunk line. 'When this work was comrf.eted, as it would be before Christmas next year, they would get into reasonable limits again for other railway development. He went on to say that the finances of the Dominion were sound and strong. He added that last year more money had been expended on public works than in any period for tlie last 25 years, with tho exception of one year. He mentioned this to show wliat was being done by tlie Government. Ho realised that the linking-up of Martinborough to the railway service would be of c.cat use to settlers. He acknowledged that ho had promised Mr. Hornsby that a survey should be made of tlie route, but he could make no specific promise in regard to construction of the line. He could only say that Martinborough would be considered when any new proposals in regard to new lines wore being considered next year. Later in the day the Premier was entertained at a banquet, after which he proceeded to Huangarua Ritei' bridge, connecting Martinborough with tlie roads leading to tlie. East Coast. The bridge was christened Hikiwera Bridge by Mrs. John Martin out of respect to the native tribe of that name.

The Premier subseciuentlv visited the Maori meeting-house, after which he entrained for 'Wellington.