THE RAILWAY COMMISSIONED AND THE MINISTER.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 9244, 1 April 1892, Page 3

THE RAILWAY COMMISSIONED AND THE MINISTER.

Wellington, Thursday. There is a difference of opinion between the Railway Commissioners and tlio Minister for Public Works respecting the construction of a goods station at the Te Aro end of the extension of the WellingtonWoodville railway. The Commisfioncrs are etrongly opposed to it, while the Minister is equally strong in its favor. Interviews have been held, and several memoranda have passed on the subject. In their second memo, the Commissioners set ont their reasons for objecting, which are mainly that by dividing both the outward and inward Wellington traliic great additional expense would be caused in the working throughout every department on tho line, without bringing any new business. Tuo cost of maintenance and of traffic would also increase, resulting in a diminution of the net earnings of tho liuo, The Commissioners state that the present station bas cost not under £50,000, and its location was not decided upon until after mature consideration, and that it is capable of dealing with the whole of the Government goods traliic as well ns that of the Manawatu Kailway Company if necessary. They consider that there is not proper room at tho proposed station to approach the work, or to extend nn efficient goods station at the site of the passenger station at To Aro, and if a goods station is established there its eventual abandonment would only be a matter of time. The Commissioners point out that section 31 of the Government Railways Act, 1881, made the Commissioners the authority to decide upon and approve the position, character, and suitableness of station works, so as to I prevent extravagance in working as well as excessive outlay in construction. They consider that both these, objections apply to a goods station at Te Aro, and that both on technical and colonial grounds they should not approve ot such a work. The Hon. Mr Seddon has forwarded lengthy replies to the Commissionnis, in which he explains that in (heir first memorandum the latter gave no reasons for their objection to the construction of a station, but merely Btated that they declined to advise in any way. Therefore be, ai the authority entrusted by Parliament to give effect to its wishes with respect) to the construction of the railway, had taken the only course open to him, and hßd instructed the Acting-Engineer-in-Chief to prepare plans for providing the requisite accommodation lor a goods station at To Aro. He points out that the Commissioners' objection is mainly a consideration of economy and railway convenience, but the Government consider that public convenience is tho first matter for consideration, aud they believe that tho erection of a goods station at tho To Aro extension would be of great convenience to a large portion of Wellington residents. He combats the statement of the Commissioners that there would be no increase of business, and says that the Government are informed that tlwe would bo considerable increase in traflic, which of course means additional revenue, which would more than cover the cost of any loss sustained by dividing tho goods traffic between Thorndon and Te Aro. Moreover, Mr Seddon say*, there i.i every probability that the Wellington and Manawatu Company's railway will become the property of the Government, and that to tho acquisition of that Hue by the Government, he believe**, the Commissioners are favorably disposed. Whnrj this is accomplished the traffic will necessarily increase. Mr Seddou goes on tc truy thali the Commissioners have declined

to submit any plans or to advise him in nny way as regards a goods station, and under the cirqumstances, and in order to give effect to the wishes of Parliament, he feels compelled to seek the assistance of other experts, and is now advised by such experts that there is sufficient room for a goods station at le Aro, and that a station can be provided at moderate coat. As to the reference made by the Commissioners to section 31 of the Act, ho can only say that they have been consulted recarding n station but have refused to approve of its erection. Mr Seddon concludes : "1 do not think it tt-oqld be. .wise to take legal action to compel the Commissioners to locate and approve a goods station as well as a passenger station at Te Aro, as this would seem to be frittering away money which might be better spent on the execution of the work itself, and I therefore intend to do the best I can in the direction of expending the whole of the funds voted for the railway in the construction of useful works."