THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10901, 7 September 1897, Page 3

THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AT CHRISTCHURCH.

fl?£R United Pbess Association.) . ■ \ Christchubch, September 6. The Hon. A. J, Cadman held an interview frith the Chamber of Commerce to-day. The chamber brought up the qne3tions of increased speed on the railways, the reduction of rates, and an extension of railway lines (particularly Eist and West Coast railway). A comparison drawn by member* between the North and South Islam! rates .showed that the latter were much higher. Members advocated a higher rate of speed on the Springfield, Southbridge, and Culverden lines. Respecting' the two first,Mr Cadmaa -replied that it would be unsafe to increase the speed, as the rails were too light. Sin the course of the interview Mr Cadman said If the lilies belonged to him he could spend' ££00,000 ia. their equipment to-morrow. The department was short of.'engines, trucks, and carriages, and' £50,000, was required for trucks .'alone. . This meant borrowing, as the necessary amount could not be paid out of revenue. \i the Canterbury members wanted to borrow, well md g00d... Another question with regard to faster trains was the expense, and £10,000 r year' was nothing if a few more trains were run. Complaints were also made of the inefficient working of the import shed; and of the price of travellers' tickets, which were £35 on the North Island lines and £50 on the South,--sPhe Minister promised to look into the ahed complaints, ' but refused to consider the travellers' ticket question. The Minister was strongly nrged to do some-Midland railway work at Springfield, and replied that he took over constructed lines when they were completed, but he had nothing to do with the qnestion of construction. The completion of this line rested entirely with Parliament. The Minister said that he could.carry onfc all the reforms if he were supplied with money. If more engines, carriages, and tracks could not be found by next year the railways could noi do • the work. Mr Koper, president of the chamber, thanked the Minister for the interview, and Mr Cadman, replying, said he could not promise to remedy all the existing defects,' hut he would tackle them one by one. i