RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION IN VICTORIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12660, 14 September 1904, Page 6

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION IN VICTORIA.

MR. BENT'S. DEPUTATION HUMOUR. The Victorian State Premier, Mr. Bent, was in one of his deputation humours a few days ago. Representatives of the Colac Shire Council and residents on the Beech Forest railway line askfrd him for more favourable conditions in regard to the proposed extension of the line to Wattle Hill Road. Mr. Bent: I have £50,000 to expend on the line, if those interested will consent to their lands being " loaded " to bear any loss and pay 4£ per cent, on the cost of construction. * The deputation demurred. Mr. Bent: If you don't like the terms, I will give the money to someone else who will. The Deputation: Give us time to consider. Mr. Bent; No, I won't. The Minister foi Lands (interposing): Give their until Friday. Mr. Bent: Very well, until Friday. The deputation withdrew. A few minutes later the Premier was faced by a deputation asking that the proposed railway from Neerini South to the junction of the Latrobe and Magpie Rivers should be referred to the Railway Standing Committee. Mr. Bent (firmly): No. The Deputation: Our land is already " loaded " up for the construction of roads. Mr. Bent: Well, you elected to have a grant for roads. The Deputation: Then the land will be abandoned. Mr. Bent: I can't help that. The Deputation: Well, will you come and look at. the place Mr. Bent: No. The Deputation : Will you give the matter further consideration? Mi. Bent: No. The deputation withdrew.