THE COLONIAL TREASURER INTERVIEWED.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3127, 11 April 1883, Page 3

THE COLONIAL TREASURER INTERVIEWED.

[By Telegraph.]

Invercargill, April 10.

This morning, Major Atkinson met the Chamber of Commerce on_ subjects connected with railway working. On the question of scarcity of tracks, Major Atkinson said they were scarce because of simultaneous harvests and the practice of threshing from the stock. It was not to be expected the Department would keep a large number of trucks for the utmost traffic, to lie idle for the greater part of the year. The question of measurement charges on the Port lines was then brought up,and its unfairness pointed out. Major Atkinson said the railways must be made pay as far as possible, and a reduction in these rates or a substitution of a weight tariff would result in increased rates. He looked upon it that the port lino rates were not so great a hardship as if the population had to pay them ultimately on imports consumed, and if not in that way the general rates must be higher, 110 promised consideration of the points brought up. On the question of the Bankruptcy Laws and Chattels Securities Act, a conversation also took place. The extension of the Mararoa Bailway to Bound Hill was urged by a deputation. In most of the cases, Major Atkinson said he could only promise to consult his colleagues, and consider the matters brought before him. At the Bluff, he was interviewed by the Borough Council, who asked for increased representation on the Harbor Board. The Major would not promise it, but thought it fair, and advised discussion at the Harbor Board of the question of reconstitution. In regard to an endowment for the Borough, Major Atkinson said while personally favorable to it, he felt sure it would be met by strong opposition in the Cabinet. Grants for cemetery and drillshed sites were urged, and the Major expressed himself favorable to them.