NORTHERN RAILWAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11162, 7 September 1899, Page 5

NORTHERN RAILWAYS.

[by telegraph.—special correspondent.] Wellington-, Wednesday. WHANGAREI RAILWAY. The first item in the schedule of the Loan Bill was the Kawakawa-Grahamstown railway. Mr. Smith wanted to know if the line was authorised, and what would be the probable cost. Mr. Seddon said it was authorised as far as the tunnel, but the two miles to be constructed were not authorised. It would cost about £20,000. Mr. Fraser: " Good gracious I That 's £10,000 a mile." Mr. Seddon proceeded to explain that the extension was necessary for the proper development of the coal and timber industries. One member pointed out that the passing of the unauthorised lines mentioned in the schedule would lead the people concerned to believe that they had a claim on the colony. The Authorisation Bill would have to be passed before the money could be spent. Mr. Fraser: "We should disabuse their minds." Mr. Montgomery thought they should disabuse the people's minds by striking it out, Mr. R. Thompson defended the inclusion of the line, and pointed out that the railway was ono of the best-paying lines in the colony. Mr. G. Hutchison, after an examination of the map, and last year's Public Works Statement, did not appear to be much the wiser as to the whereabouts of the proposed line. Mr. Seddon caused some amusement by endeavouring to throw light upon the subject bv drawing a plan. Mr. Hutchison, holding up the Premier's drawing (a very strange-looking picture),said it was on this information that the House was asked to pass £20,000. The plan ought to be preserved. Mr. Lewis said he would photograph it. Captain Russell pointed out the absurdity of members being called upon to vote without having anv information whatever put before them. These unauthorised lines ought to be postponed until the Authorisation Bill was brought down. Mr. Tanner, supporting the proposed extension, remarked that no people in the colony knew the value of petitions more than the people of Auckland. Mr. Crowthcr and Mr. Heke also spoke in favour of the line. Captain Russell, after further discussion, said lie would move to report progress, and ask leave to sit again, in order to test the feeling of the House as to whether they should be called upon to vote on matters about which thev knew nothing. As regards these unauthorised lines, an Authorisation Bill ought- to be first brought down. The motion was lost by 27 votes to 23. The question that the item be retained was then put and carried by 29 to 13. PAEROA-WAIHI 'RAILWAY. The Paeroa-Waihi line was then put, Mr. Smith callintr for a division. The item was retained by 32 to 11. HKLENSVILLE NORTHWARDS LINE. The Helensville northwards lino was retained without discussion or division.