HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 176, 27 July 1907, Page 2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

ffommittee ™|«^JS£ .nA advised g£S dtAbyVa Classification Com-%r^FSIMIEE-id.«.at no matter cat e the advantage,P and, oveftTe country during, the recess^ to the cSntr- would* be enormous. IMPREST SUPPLY. The Imprest Supply Bill was brougnt down by Governor's message^ On the motion to go into Committee (Bay of Plenty) referring to the railways, contended that if the Department had been properly . effort being made, to mci-ease ttoloU-rolling-stock the House would gladly give as there was a difficulty m re- - Sard to rolling-stock all over the Colfny He complained that the nee profit on the capital invested showed a cry small increase during the past Jeve yn years, while the net earnings per train mile had decreased from hdZ.W ' S 1900 to £28.79 in 1906. Some explanation ought to be given of that fee- desired to know what was the reason for the decrease in the net earnings per train mile. He drew attention to the enormous increase, in the cost of construction per mile. It was stated year after year that the cost under the co-operative system was less than by contract; yet the cost of conSructioß per mile had steadily increased, ana he asserted that, as the lines got further into the country the cost would be further increased. He contended that it was clearly proved that under -ne cooperative system the cost of.construction increased, and he hoped that the large public works in future would be carried out under the contract system. He asserted that the Auckland lines had steadily increase* as revenue-producers, whilst the Inver«argill line had steadily decreased. The PREMIER said that, -a was surprised to see Mr Herries doing what Tie had done on a former occasion. He thought tnat it was unfair to try to . create the impression that any favouritism was being shown to any portion of the Colony. His statements were contrary to fact. .. The House adjourned at 5.dU p.m.