RAILWAY MATTERS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8498, 30 July 1907, Page 5

RAILWAY MATTERS.

By Telegraph—Press Association

WELLINGTON, July 29. A deputation representing the Buller and Nelson districts waited on the Premier, to-day, to urge the extension of the Westport-Reefton railway and the authorisation of a section between Tadmor and Reefton as well as the authorisation of the remaining portion of the WestporfcInangahua line. The deputation particularly referred to the enormous mineral and timber resources of the: districts concerned. The Premier, in reply, said that the Government could carry way construction only according tothe amount of money at its disposal. During the previous year the debt of the colony had increased by £1,988,000 and of that sum £1,345,749 had been spent in connection with railways. That huge expenditure could not be increased. On the contrary the total amount would be rather less. )t had to be remembered, moreover, that during the year the Government would be called upon to make provision f0r£3,300,000 of fresh money, £BOO,OOO in redemption of loans, £1,500,000 in ordinary conversions, and £1.000,000 |as a fresh loan. The first considerj ation of the Government must be tocolony's financial position sound and healthy and it was not intended to make any new appropriations for railways. The colony was carrying on a very vigorous policy of railway construction. The fact was sometimes overlooked that more was being spent year by year over successive years than had been proposed under the progressive policy initiated by Sir Julius Vogel. The completion of the North Island Trunk line was the most important work in hand and that line would absorb some £400,000 during the coming year. While the Government was anxious to recognise the promises made by its predecessors, it had to deal with circumstances as they existed at present. Old promises were coming to light every day. in regard to various matters, and those promises made, or represented to have been made, in past days could not be allowed to override the exigencies of the present day. The Government would carefully consider all matters that had been laid before it. A similar reply was given to another deputation that urged the extension of the Culverden line to Waiau.