New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1884.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 661, 24 October 1884, Page 12

New Zealand Mail. PUBLISHED WEEKLY. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1884.

The Legislative Council's rejection of the District Railways Leasing and Purchasing Bill has been resented by the Q-overnment more strongly than was at first thought would be the case. By sundry devices, including large promises and a programme bolding out hopes of enormous expenditure to be provided for partly out of loan and partly by the capital of companies, Ministers have brought the House into a very obedient frame of mind —not at all likely to last, but nevertheless highly convenient in the meantime for the occupants of the Treasury benches. But when Sir Julius Vogel and Mr Stout expected to find in the other chamber a similar state of easy acquiescence they were disappointed. The Bill was thrown out by a large majority, though had it not been a money Bill, the result might perhaps have been different, as in that case amendments could have beeu introduced. We may say in passing that the alleged ruling of the Speaker in the House of Representatives— that it

was not a money Bill—is to us incomprehensible. That, however, is a question with which we are not at present concerned. It is sufficient that the Council threw the Bill out, and there the matter ought to have been allowed to rest for the present session. . During the recess some much needed alterations might have been introduced. But Sir Julius Vooel does not take defeat easily, and the independence of the Council galled him all the more as it presented s-o strong a contrast to the subserviency of the House. An atmosphere of political flunkeyism is necessary for the full development of those gigantic schemes for the regeneration of New Zealand which are just now germinating in his fertile brain. Foiled in his first effort with regard to the District Railways, he is now seeking to accomplish his purpose by a different mode of procedure. To-day he will ask the House to say that on Monday next it will resolve itself into a Committee of the whole to consider the following motion: “ That the difficulties surrounding the railways constructed under the District Railways Act, and the hardships to which the ratepayers are subjected in connection therewith, are such that this House considers the Government should seize a favorable opportunity to acquire the said lines, the cost not to exceed the value ascertained by a court of inquiry, presided over by a judge of the Supreme Court, based on the actual cost at which, at the time of construction, the railways could have been constructed, less depreciation and deterioration since from a reduction in market value and wear and tear, plus any amounts the company-owners of the said railways have been or may be authorised to levy on the ratepayers up to the 31st March last, it being made a condition that all proceedings against ratepayers shall be stopped, and all amounts received from ratepayers be returned to them, the Government to pay onethird in cash for the said railways, the balance to bear 4 per cent, interest, and to be paid in four equal annual instalments; the Government next session to introduce a Bill to make the ratepayers liable for one-half of any amount short of 4 per cent, which the railways yield after paying working expenses, plus the cost of raising the rates.”

Although this motion speaks of a Bill “ next session ” to enable part of the arrangements to be carried out, it is obvious that immediate action with regard to the District Railways is intended. It is reasonable to suppose that some information on the subject will be afforded on Monday next when the motion comes on for discussion, but in the meanwhile speculation is rife as to the manner in which Sir Julius Vogel will endeavour to nullify the decision of the Council. This motion is in the nature of a preliminary step, and, in the event of the House proving docile, a great deal more will Have to be done before the Treasurer can complete negotiations for the transfer of the lines from the companies to the Colony. It is evident that on the authority of a resolution of the House the Gfovernrnent could not, at all events legally, “ seize a favourable opportunity to acquire the said railways.” The following considerations naturally suggest themselves: That to enable any money to be paid to the companies (say, the first instalment, or one-third of the whole purchase-money) it would be necessary to appropriate it ; that it would not assist the Treasurer if the total sum were included, for the appropriation would lapse at the end of the year, whereas the payments are to extend over four years; that Parliament would certainly not sanction the immediate payment of the full purchase-money ; that in addition to the appropriation of the money special legislation would be necessary to enable Grovernment to enter into such a contract as is contemplated ; that in this case the contract (as to the purchase-money) would extend beyond the appropriation ; that, supposing all other difficulties to be overcome, the question of ways and means would still have to be settled. Somewhat elaborate legislation will, to most people, appear absolutely necessary, though we are not prepared to say that Sir Julius Vogel will not attempt to “ get round the corner ” without it. We may remark in conclusion that had the most worthless of the lines been excepted from the operation of the Bill, the Council would very likely have given their assent.