CHINA’S RAILWAYS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21266, 21 February 1931, Page 13

CHINA’S RAILWAYS

PURCHASE OF SLEEPERS. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telc-gtapb—Copyright.) LONDON, February 19. (Received Feb. 20, at 10 p.m.) A plea for the use of Australian hardwood sleepers in China was heard in the House of Commons during the debate on the China Indemnity Application Bill. Mr Leslie Boyce (Con.) moved an amendment for the purpose of widening the objects to which £4,000,000 might be applied by the Board of Trustees. The Bill provided that the money should be spent on the purchase of railway material in th 6 United Kingdom. Mr Boyce said that never before in the history of the Commonwealth had she been in such need of orders from overseas. If the Government accepted the amendment all those interested in the welfare of Australia and this promising trade would be extremely grateful. Mr P. J. H. Hannon (Con.), seconding the amendment, said it would be a gesture of genuine friendship to Australia if it was accepted. Thp Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs (Dr Hugh Dalton) replied the Government would be very glad to do what it could both in Australia and the other dominions interested in trade in China, The amendment was agreed to.