THE MANAWATU LINE.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 285, 10 December 1907, Page 5

THE MANAWATU LINE.

—SIR JOSEPH WARD'S VIEWS. Tbe Premier told a special reporter of the Evening Post at (Jhristohurch yesterday in reference to the taking over of the Manawatu Hue that two arbitrators requiro.il to be appointed—one by the Government, the other by the company, and the two wonld select a third. They would have to fix the price, and the decision in the matter w.uld be binding on binding on the Government which was prepared to proceed at once. "The acquirement of the line will not affect the service," said tlie Premier, "and, of course, there will be no interruption of traffic. The progress of the Dominion lias made it necessary to purchase the line at the present time, owing to the enormous volame of Government traffic which is passing over the line, and owing to the fact that with the completion of the Main Trunk railway early nex4 year the traflio will be materially increased. Of course, the country can not allow a private company to continue to carry public traffic in this manner."

The Premier thought it was probable that negotiations would be allowed to proceed at once. No legislative sanction was required for the purchase, as all the necessary powers were contained in the agreement under which the company had constructed the line. The directors of the compauy meet to-day to consider the situation.