MOUNT EGMONT RAILWAY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 59, 24 October 1911, Page 5

MOUNT EGMONT RAILWAY.

ESTIMATES ITEM REDUCED. Duringi the discussion on the Estimates in the House of Representatives Mr. Dive moved to reduce the item “Mount Egmont branch railway, £15,000,”. by £lO, as an indication of disapproval of the unbusinesslike methods of the .Department. Mr. McKenzie said ho thought it rather a pity that the bon. member ,had not moved to reduce this vote by £IO,OOO. He had visited the work, and had not found things in a very satisfactory state. For instance, stone was being' taken from the river instead of being pushed on for two miles to a permanent quarry. He had no great objection to the work being stopped altogether. Mr. Okov said lie hoped the Mim istor would push on the line instead of stopping it. When completed it might be used for tourists who visited the Mountain. ■ Mr. Hino said ho hoped the railway would not be discontinued, as it was the sole means of obtaining good road metal for a large district. Mr. Dive said he would not press the amendment, especially after the admission by the Minister that he was incompetent to administer the affairs of the Department. Sir Joseph Ward remarked that after this statement he would object to the amendment being withdrawn. The amendment war; carried on the voices.