Otago Central Railway. EDITOR WITNESS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1885, 6 January 1888, Page 28

Otago Central Railway. EDITOR WITNESS.

Sir, — As much misapprehension appears to prevail touching the position of the Otago Central Railway Bill, I ask you to publish the following correspondence between the Attorneygeneral and myself, for whioh publication I have his consent. I may state that my letter was the outcome of an interview at which most of the Otago members were present, as also some from other parts of the colony. During that interview Sir Frederick Whitaker stated that he did not object to the railway nor to the bill. He told the deputation that though he had been opposed to land grants he had seen occasion to change his mind, because the time had arrived when public works could no longer be carried on by raising loans, and that he would therefore. support the Otago Central Railway Bill. But, he said, he had not had time to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the measure, and he desired to do so before the bill was passed.

I may say that there was a certain majority in favour of the bill in the Legislative Council ; but if we had forced the' bill through, as we could have done, we should have had to fight the contract afterwards, which might have involved us in similar difficulties to those which have necessitated recurrent references to Parliament in the case of the Midland railway. To avoid these was desirable ; and I and my friends came $O #W eowtaeion that |t was best tQ accent Jfo

Frederick's offer cf support rather than rush the bill through and fight the contract aftexI wards. — I am, &c., I Vincent Pyie. Dunedin, December '30. [COPY.] Wellington, 19th December 1887. The Hon. Sir Frederick Whitaker, K.O.M.G. Dear Sir, — Referring to our interview with you oa Saturday in re the Ofcago Central Railway Bill, \ beg to intimate that the friends of that measure frankly accept the position. indicated by you, which they understand to be as follows : — That on the bill not being further proceeded with this session, you will, during the recess, draft and forward to the promoters in JJuncdin a contract embodying the terms and conditions oa which you will agree to the construction of the line on the landgranfc system ; and that ia the event of the contract being mutually agreed to, you will next session support a bill to validate it, and to make such further provision aa may be necessary to give effect thereto. I am instructed to say thnt in view of your assurances in this respect, no further effort will be made to proceed with the bill during the present session.— I havsj &c, Vincent Pvkk. [COPY.] Wellington, 19bh December 1887. Dear Sir,— l acknowledge the receipt of your letter of to-day in reference to our interview on the subject of the Otago Central Railway. Your letter correctly represents the position taken by me, which I am prepared to act up to.— -I have, &c. f Prkd. Wuitakkr. Vincent Pyke, Eaq ; , M.11.R.