THE PORT LINE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8729, 17 September 1906, Page 3

THE PORT LINE.

•> LYTTELTON-CHRISTCHURCH RAILWAY CHARGES.

LOCAL OPINION. A round of prominent business men in the city this morning failed to elicit very many new ideas? as to the d&putation of Canterbury members which ■interviewed Mr Hall- Jones on Saturday in reference to the charges on the Lyt-telton-Christchurch railway. Most of the gentlemen seen by a reporter said that they had not studied the report of the deputation carefully enough to * be able to criticise it in any detail, but all were agreed that the new Minister of Railways seemed to have made a very complete reply to the Canterbury members. These who have, worked hardest and longest for a reduction in the charges are quite ready to admit that at present the honours seem to rest with the Minister, and they do not fail to express their warm 1 appreciation of his courtesy in having given the whole question most careful consideration. "Ho gave the members a ' facer,' " said one prominent citizen, " and whatever w© may feel about our grievance, we can be satisfied that Mr Hall-Jones will not fail in the management of his department for want of attention to its details. Be has evidently gone into our grievance very fully and carefully, and though he is against us, we must congratulate him." From. Mr E. G. Staveley, president of the Chamber of Commerce, the reporter learnt that the Chamber will go into the matter and will endeavour to place fresh arguments before the Minister. Mr Staveley had no wish to traverse the report of the deputation, but he paid ia high compliment to the Minister in the words, " He is the first Minister of Railways who has really stood up to a deputation on this matter." Mr A. L. Parsons, vice-president of the Chamber, expressed a somewhat similar sentiment, and stated that though there was great difficulty in getting tacts together, the Chamber would get to work again at once.