RAILWAY EXTENSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13454, 5 April 1907, Page 6

RAILWAY EXTENSION.

A SOUTHERN REQUEST.

UNFAVOURABLE REPLY FROM THE

MINISTER.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

DrjNElH.v, Thursday. A large gathering of members of the Brighton Railway League, supported by representatives of the Trades and Labour Council, were introduced to the Minister for Public Works to-day, by Mr. I). Reid, M.H.R.. who said that this railway had been before the Department- now for some time. It was felt that if the line were extended from Walton Park to Brighton it would prove a paying line, and would be largely patronised, besides being or great benefit for the carriage of produce. The Acting-Premier said that this did not strike him as one of the urgent works that required attention. If the deputation knew of some of the experiences of the- back block settlers he was sure they would agree with him when he said that their necessities were greater than those of settlers who were living within seven miles: of the railway. He had made up his mind not to take in hand at the present juncture any more railway works until some of those in hand were completed. They could <_'• from Burnside to Brighton now for 2s 6d. He only wished that the settlers throughout New Zealand generally were in as fortunate a position as they were in this particular district- When they got some of their urgent work? out of hand then would be time for the deputation to make their representations.