RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9675, 18 October 1909, Page 3

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

# A BREEZY INTERVIEW. i [Pvr Press Association.] | , WELLINGTON, October 18. Representatives of the Eaßt Coast section of the North Auckland Railway I League waited on Ministers this morning to protest against the diversion of i the route from the East to the West [Coast. During the statements of the deputation the Minister of Public Works kept up a running comment. characterising some assertions as " mere guess-work." I When Mr Killen said that interests other than the interests of the dominion as a whole had been considered, the Minister' said: "Are you reflecting on me?" Mr Killen replied, " No." The ' Minister: "This is the second, time you have suggested, such a thing." Mr Killer: "I am making no insinu ation at all." The Minister: "You keep your m- , nuendoes to yourself." Sir Jbseph Ward, in replying to the representation, said that the request for a commission of inquiry required tc be carefully considered. He thought members ought to see the country for themselves. The Government, however, was not prepared to stop the construction of railways while the people quarrelled about routes, but was prepared to hear both sides. The Minister of Public Works said that the*GovernYnent was only concerned in doing the best for the country a; a whole. Replying to a deputation represent ing the Lawrence and Roxburgh Rail way League, the Premier stated thai he wished to say clearly that it was not his intention to carry out railway which were not going to pay. Ther? was one railway in the country at th present time which was not paying and the Government was prepared t recommend k> Parliament that this lin' should be carried to Beaumont, but no ' to Roxburgh. People interested woulr" be asked to pay the difference betwee: 3 per cent and what the railway ac tually earned. Sir Joseph said that h was quite prepared to make the prin cipie which he had expounded applj generally.