THE RAILWAY COMMISSION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2702, 5 December 1882, Page 3

THE RAILWAY COMMISSION.

[press association telegram.]

BLENHEIM, December 4,

The Middle Island Eailway Extension Commission held its first sitting here on Saturday in the Supreme Court buildings, and were occupied during the day in receiving evidence. The following witnesses were examined: —Messrs Henry G. Clark, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor ; Charles Elliott, Vincent Hewitt, John Murphy, John McKenzie, Alfred Dobson, Sutherland Maoalister, inspector of telegraphs for Marlborough and Nelson. The evidence adduced was mainly to show the character of the soil and climate along the East Coast and central routes. A very unfavorable description was given of the land between the Hanmer Plains and Tophouse. It was stated that thex-e was very little land suitable for agriculture. The evidence was given as to the severity of the winter on that route, and its long continuance, also as to the great destruction of cattle and sheep during the heavy snow and severe frosts. The general opinion was favorable to the construction of the railway by the East Coast, where there was more available agricultural land, as tending to promote more settlement than would take place on the central route.