WANTED, TO KNOW.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 51, 25 February 1881, Page 2

WANTED, TO KNOW.

Why have thoso two interesting South Tslund branch lines — the Shag Point and Mount Somera — suddenly disappeared from the monthly railway return** ? It was always interesting 1o watch their appearance, as they usually showed a deid loss of 150 and 250 per cent, respectively upon receipts. Now we look in vain for them. Has the Hon. Richard Oliver discovered a " standing reproach" in the Sha* Point hranch, and determined to close the line, or has he bidden it under the title of "Dunedin section?" Then there is the Mount Some 1 a branch. Perhaps this will, be better understood if we call it Mr E. G. Wright's Hue— he of the Kail way Commission—as it leads to his residence and property. During the half-year ending September 18 this branch was worked at a tremendous losp, as for every pound earned three pounds ten shillings was spent ! What has become of the line now ? Is it closed, or taken up, or has Mr Wright become positively ashamed of it and begged the Minister to "lump" it also? A few months ago a contract was advertised to extend it, but whether tenders were accepted we know not. If they were, we suppose Mr Oliver is afraid to keep the line before the public, and has consequently dropped it from the list. If he has, where are the returns published, if at all ? We want information, and we trust some of our con* temporaries will afford it to us. Perhaps

the Evening Post would nob mind devoting a few lines to explaining what has become of the Shag Point and M >unt S.jmers branches. We shall pause for a reply.