CATLINS RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14001, 6 September 1907, Page 8

CATLINS RAILWAY LEAGUE.

The ordinary meeting of the Catlins Railway League was held in Mr Fca's •offico yesterday, when there were present —Messrs R. Chisholm (in the chair), Fea, W. Taylor, \Y, P. Edmond, G. Brown, and J. B. Waters (secretary). TIIE MEMBERSHIP. The reported that 55 mcmbcre' subscriptions liad been received, and liad realised £29 2s less £2 18s 6d for commission. ' This was an increase on last year. An aocount had boon opened at tho Savings Bank; and tho sum of £55 stood to the credit of tho league. THE AUTHORISATION BILL. -/ A letter was received from Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.R., stating that a meeting of Otago members had been held to discuss tho' question of authorised railways. Mr Malcolm and himself-had desirod to have special prominence given to tho Catlins lino, and after • much discussion it was resolved that tho question of a grant bo left to the Ministers. Ho wanted Otago to havo the same allocation as in 1905, or a pro rata, grant on the samo basis. He was hopeful of reasonable consideration being this year accorded to Otago railways.

The Chairman said the last Authorisation Bill authorised the construction of four or six miles, and apparently they had- now got to the limit. During his recent visit to _ Wellington ho had waited upon the Primo Minister and drawn his attention to this fact. Sir Joseph Ward had assured him that he might keep his mind casyllmt an Authorisation Bill would be passed authorising tho construction of tho lino beyond the point reached. The Primo Minister was emphatic -on this point; in fact, so decided that Messrs Malcolm and Mackenzie said "it would be nil right." Prior to this thero had been considerable doubt as to whether the nccessary legislation would bo passed this session, but the Prime Minister's pronouncement- seemed to set all doubt at rest.

It was resolved to write to Mr Malcolm inquiring as to when tho Authorisation Bill might bo cxpcctcd. A copy of the letter will also bo forwarded to Mr Mackenzie. The Chairman was thanked by motion for tho trouble he had gone to over the matter.

THE BALLASTING OF THE LINE. . The Chairman reported that, together with the secretary, he had waited on the Public Works Engineer with regard to tho "ballasting of the line and other matters. New machinery had been installed for crashing good bluestone metal, and the advantage of this would l>e felt as far as the whole line was concerned. The delay in erecting this plant, he was told, would bo more than compensated for by future benefits. It was not definitely known when the last portion of the lino would bo opened. Tho engineer was of the opinion that it was not a vital matter to open tho railway to Houipapa, If it were opened to D(war's in the meantime it would open u& a, lot -of- frssh. country,

' GENERAL. The Secretary reported that a map showing tho route of the lino and whore it was proposed to tako it was being obtained from the department, and would bo available, for tho usa of members at future meetings. , _