THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, Issue XLIII, 6 February 1909, Page 3

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

THE KELSON END EXTENSION. VISIT TO THE WORKS. GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE. Several members of the Inland Communication League and Chamber of Commerce journeyed to Kiwi by train yesterday. Among those present were Messrs Cock, Duncan, H. Baigent, A. A. Lucas, F. W; Hamilton, H. Braddell, Louis Kerf,' Philip Best, B. B. Jackson, and G. King. After a somewhat slow journey the party arrived at Kiwi about 11.50, and the question Which seemed uppermost in most minds was : "Whore are we going to get something to eat?" Some of the party had had only a hurried breakfast, and it had not been possible to send word of their coming. By the kindness of Mr Foster, of the Public Works Department, JJh« -question was soon answered, «nd an invitation was given to lunch at his rooms. Here the genial "George" provided a capital luncheon in abundance, and the visitors felt they could not have been better served had they been in the city itself. Mr McKenzie, the Minister for Works, wlio had the previous evening been banuetted at Tapawera, boarded the train at this station,- and by his kindness the visitors were conveyed by tho Public Works train a few miles further towards Manu or Tui, where they were further conveyed By special vehicles towards tho Hope Junction, together with Mr J. S. Harding (Resident Engineer), where Mr McKenzie desired to inspect the works in progress. The line for 11 miles from Kiwi, almost to the Saddle, is now under construction, and Mr McKenzie hopes to have this section completed within two years. At present the work is somewhat retarded by the want of suitable men to do the cenwnt work in connection with the building of the bridges and culverts. There are at present 150 men altogether on the works, and it is hoped to keep the numbers up to 200 : but through continual changjs it is difficult to secure the full complement of men. The township of Manu. or Tui, which Ls 1170. feet above sea level, is pleasantly situated, and the soil in the vicinity is of good uality. Here, as also at other points along the linj is a scene of activity. Tents are in all directions, and men are busily engaged, some in building culverts and bridges, and others in carting material along the ground. There had been a strike in the morning of the carters, who considered that the payment of 15s 6d for two horses, dray, and man was too little. The men asked for 18s, and the matter was then under consideration. . Tho members of the party were surprised at the extent of progress which had been made at the works, several having no idea that thejine had been constructed so far. The land where the railway had already been 'opened was all in a state of cultivation, and looked very fine indeed, especially for the summer season. The settlers were all pleased that their representative. Mr McKenzie, had been appointed to the Ministry, and they feel that he will see that justice is done in regard to the further construction of the line. The time is not far distant now when it. will only be one day's journey to the West Coast. The outing, which was a very enjoyable one, the day being very fine, though hot, was concluded by the party leaving by the 430 p.m. train, arriving in Nelson by 7.45. The settlers and others at Manu are very desirous to have a school established there. There are at least 30 children in the vicinity, and the need of a school is severely "felt.