THE PORT LINE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 14169, 18 September 1906, Page 2

THE PORT LINE.

LYTTELTON-CHRISTCHURGH RAILWAY CHARGES. LOCAL” OPINION. _ A round of prominent business meni in. the 'city yesterday failed to elicit very many new ideas as to the deputation of Canterbury members which interviewed Air ECall-Jones on Saturday In reference to the charges qn the Lyt-talton-Chriatchurch railway. Most of the gentlemen seen, by a reporter said tliat they had not studied the report of the deputation carefully enough to be able to criticise it in any detail, but all were agreed that,the new Minister of Railways seemed to have made a very, complete reply to the. Canterbury members. Those who have worked hardest and longest for a reduction, in the charges are quite ready to admit that at present the honours seem to rest with the Minister, and they do not fail to express their warm appreciation of his courtesy in having given tho whole question most careful consideration. “He gave the _ members : a ‘ facer/ ” said one prominent citizen, “ and whatever we may feel about our grievance, we can be satisfied that Mr Hall-Jdncs will not fail in the management «f his department for want of attention to its details. Ho has evidently gone into our grievance very fully and carefully, and though he is against us, we must congratulate him.” From Air B. G. Staveley, president of the Chamber of Commerce, the reporter learnt that the Chamber will go into the; matter and will endeavour to place fresh arguments before the : Minister. Air Staveley had no wish to traverse the report of the deputation, hut he paid a high compliment to the Minister in the words, “ He is the first Minister of Railways who has really stood up to a deputation on this matter.” Mr A. L. Parsons, vice-president of the Chamber, expressed a somewhat similar sentiment, and stated that though there was great difficulty in getting tacts together, the Chamber would get to work again at once. ■ -~ J