THE STRATH-TAIERI RAILWAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1419, 1 February 1879, Page 22

THE STRATH-TAIERI RAILWAY.

A deputation, consisting °' Messrs V. Pyke, M.H.R., Roberts, Davie, R. O.iver, M.H.R., and J. T. Mackerras, waited upon the Minister for Public Works at noon c:i Wednesday, v ith reference to the Strathtalui Railway.

The deputation was introduced by Mr V. PIKE, who btatcd tnat thc-ir object was to urge upon the Minidtpr the desirability of immediately calling for tenders for the construction of such portions of the projected railway as had been surveyed in detail and were now ready for the purpose, and more especially with regard to those portions running through Mullocky Gully and Poolburn Gorge. II c also drew the attention, oi the Minister to the fact that the delay in the tran?misbion of meichandise, which had been supposed to have been caused by want of sufficient trucks on this f-ide the Waitaki, was the natural result of the present stage of public works. The necessity for the construction of lines to the interior of the country was exceedingly great, for, so far, the Public Works policy had only had the effect of increasing the cost of the inland transmission of goods, and causing the delay ia their transitto be greater Hun formerly. The Hon. Mr Macandkew replied that with regard to the Mullocky Gully portion it was intended that tenders should be called for a section there during the fiist week in February. It was also intended to reserve a section between that point ami the junction with the main line with a view of employing labour there in the event of there being a want <«f public employment at any time before the completion of the whole lief. Respecting the Poolburn Gorge portion, that would be taken into consideration at an early dato The hon. gentleman also said that when operations were commenced Mr Vincent Pyke would be invited to turn the firet sod of the Strath-Taieri Railway.