MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13655, 21 February 1913, Page 4

MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS.

INTERVIEWED IN SOUTHLAND.

MB. ALLEN'S LOAN AND ITS

OBJECTS

[United Press Association.]

Invercargill, Feb; 20:

The Minister for Public. :Worke, the Hon. W. Fraser,' is on a visit to Southland, and left Inveroargill this morning for Orepuki, and, Tuatapero. He was entertained, at dinner at the last place, and received several deputations concorning local requiremente. In an interview, speaking of the loaa raised by the Hon. James Allen at Home, Mr. Fraser said ho thought that Mr. Allen had been very successful indeed in getting tho loan underwritten at the price and on the terms lie had Asked whether the loan would have any, eiTect on his public works policy, Mr. Fraser said that th© obtaining of the loan would not have any effect, because' all the money to be devoted to public works was ear-marked according to la-st year's Estimates. The loan money Would probably supply funds to carr^j on the works until the end of October. Referring to railway matters, Mr Fraser said, in answer to a question, that ho waß still in favour of branch; lines being light lines, and not standard lines. They could be made at probably, half the cast of the others, and with, the iSnime gauge as on other lines. Their grade might be a little heavier, and the curv< i 8 a little shorter. 'Such alterations would mean that trains woul<| hayo to travel slower, but so far as produco was-c»nconi€d it could be carried just a*s effectually as on tho standard line«.