MR. VAILES OFFER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9142, 25 August 1888, Page 5

MR. VAILES OFFER.

[BY TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Friday. I understand that the Minister of Public Works has telegraphed to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce declining to accede to the proposal to lease the Auckland railways. It was pointed, out to me to-day that only last yesr Mr. Vaile read a paper before a society in Auckland on our railways, in which he strongly deprecated either the selling or leasing of the railways. I learn that as soon as Parliament prorogues the Government will set about instituting the new railway Board of Management, and that it is likely to bo fairly inaugurated within a month from prorogation. The Press has the following—" The question of the appointment of the Railway Commission is once more assuming prominence with hon. members, and tho opinion is strongly expressed that the appointments should be made before the session closes. The following gentlemen are now mentioned as exceedingly likely to be the four candidates from whom the final selection will be made: Mr. J. P. MaxWell, the present manager of railways ; Mr. W. M. Hannay, the assistant manager ; the Hon. E. Richardson, C.E., C.M.G. ; and Mr. B. Loughrey, C.E. (brother to Mr. A. Loughrey, M.H.R. for Linwood), at present city surveyor here." I may say with regard to these candidates that I am authoritatively assured that the Government have not even considered the question of men yet, and do not know who will bo appointed at this stage.