THE PICTON AND BLENHEIM RAILWAY.

Marlborough Express, Volume V, Issue 249, 17 September 1870, Page 5

THE PICTON AND BLENHEIM RAILWAY.

In the House of Representatives, on September 6, the second reading of the Railways Bill took place, but as we have not received the Hansard containing the debate, we give a brief abstract from the Independent in the meantime., Mr Stafford . said he was at a loss to know the basis upon which, the Colonial Treasurer had made his calculation of cost. He took the line from Selwyn tothe Rakaia;, a line which he asserted was one of the cheapest lines to be constructed in the world—it was a dead level, and not only that, but the line passed over a shingle deposit which could be available for ballast without cartage; there was neither a river nor watercourse on the .wholeiroute, yet he found that £4400 per mile was put down for this line. Again he would point out that most of the land was reserved, and therefore would not require to be purchased. Now, on the other hand, the line from Picton to Blenheim was over a very rough country, and bridges had to be built over several rivers; yet this line was put down for £3OOO per mile He should like an explanation on this point. Probably the Hon. Colonial Treasurer would explain this in committee. Mr Vogel in his reply said he had been asked by the member for Timaru why the cost of the railway between Selwyn and Rakaia was charged at £4OOO per mile; while that of Blenheim was only £3OOO. He might say that the figures were supplied on the estimates of the engineer ol the province; it must be recollected that the broad guage was in vogue in the Canterbury Province, which added to the cost. Mr Harrison moved the second readt ing for that day six months, and a division ensued Ayes 4, Noes 35. The bill was read a second time amid loud cheers. Upon Mr Vogel moving the schedule, Mr. Driver (Otago) moved that the line between Blenheim and Picton be struck out. He contended that this line would be just such another as the Bluff and Invercargill railway, and would fall into dilapidation from disuse. Mr, Collins desired to point out that this line would be of immense benefit, and would, from the amount of wool and corn to be carried over it, become a paying line. He denied that it would not be used, and characterised this as a totally unfounded statement. Mr. Eves opposed the striking out of this item from the schedule He would move as an amendment that the sum for constructing this railway should be £4OOO per mile. Sir David Monro supported this amendment, as he thought the amount put down by the Treasurer was totally insufficient. Mr. Vogel said that If a cheap railway were constructed the line might be made, together with rolling.stocky for £3OOO per mile. He thought that the railway between Picton and Blenheim would be of / immense value to the province, and would ‘ ,j utilize the really splendid harbour of -’ Queen Charlotte Sound r - Messrs Stafford, Kenny, and- other .members, supported the amendment 1 ' of the lion, member for Wairau {Mr. Eyes.) . ;.. : Mr. : Vogel said he hoped the bon. 0 (memberswould allow tbesum-of £3OOO to --remain"on--tbe-schedule -until-■the bill passed. , A division was called for by Mr. Stafford on Mr Eyes’.amendment, wich the following result:—Ayes, 20 ; N oes > 23. !(Mr. Stafford them moved ( that the words five hundred; pounds l be. added, so that it would read ’ Mr. Vogel said the Government would accede to this amendment. The amendment was then agreed to on the voices.