SATURDAY, JULY 22.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 28

SATURDAY, JULY 22.

Messrs J. W. Thomson and R. M'Nab, M.H.R.'s, had an interview on Saturday forenoon with Mr Hall-Jones regarding tho Catlins and Seaward Bush lines. These two lines are certain to meet in time, and this is the reason the two members went together to the Minister. Mr Thomson stated that there was a strong desire in the Catlins district that the lines should be extended southwards from Owaka, that- a. deputation had lately waited on the Premier urging the extension of the line, and that quite recently there had been two meetings in the district about it. The rate at which the Seaward Bush line is progressing —which is about a mile and a-half per year —was referred to. Mr M'Nab said that though the rate of progress was small, yet, speaking on behalf of the district, they were satisfied with it. Mr Thomson said that the rate of speed would scarcely satisfy the Catlins people. They were anxiou? that the line from Owaka should be pressed on with all possible speed. Both members pointed out the desirability of having the'eonstruction of the wholo line between Owaka and the Seaward Bush authorised. Mr Thomson said the traffic on the Owaka branch would enable tho Minister to form an opinion as to how the extension would pay. There wa3 a great deal of traffic on the Owaka branch —more than it was thought there would be, —and he advised the Minister to satisfy himself on this point by looking up the returns. The Minister said he would make himself acquainted with the circumstances, and consider what was beat to be done. s MIDLAND RAILWAY APPEAL. Mr H. J. H. Blow, Under-secretary for Public Works, will leave for London at the close of the session of Parliament in connection with the appeal by the debenture-holders of the Midland Railway Company against the decision of the Court of Appeal in reference to the seizure of the line by £he Government. The case will come before the Privy Council in December.