THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9568, 26 October 1892, Page 4

THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY.

TO THE EDITOft. Sir, —I learn by this morning's issue of your daily paper that the Otago Central Railway League convened by circular the several Otago M.H.R's., &c. to meet the committee of the league to discuss the position of the works and the 'possibilities of completing the works to Hyde within a certain time. May I humbly ask this league, through your paper, the reason why the member for the Peninsula was ignored by the committee, and to point out that this is by no. means the first time that such omission has occurred. Are they political or social reasons ? . ,

To you, Sir, I assert that no Otago member has striven more, or brought more pressure to bear upon Ministers, to further the completion of the Ofcago Central railway than the member for the Peninsula. Perhaps not seeing eye to eye with the league in demanding the raising of a loan upon the pastoral renfs of Central Ofcago may account for the singular omissions. And with regard to that question, I would point out to you that the several cliques of northern members make no secret of it that the raising of a loan for the prosecution of the Otago Central railway by any means whatever would be sufficient grouuds, and which they would take advantage of, to force a general loan for the prosecution of their several public works. . With regard to the- statements that were made at the meeting to the effect that the Hon. R. J. Seddon promised members to complete the line of railway to Hyde this financial year, I may say that he made no such promise to me or in my hearing, nor did I understand such; but he did promise to complete it within a year. I may point out to you, Sir, that completion within -the present financial year would mean March 31—about six months from time of s-apposed promise— which would be foolishness upon members' part to suppose would be done. I desire to say in conclusion that no slight or action whatever upon the league's part will affect my actions in assisting forward this work, that is so absolutely essential to the present prosperity of Otago.—l am, Sx., October 25. William Eaknshaw.