NORTH AUCKLAND RAILWAY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2636, 19 October 1909, Page 5

NORTH AUCKLAND RAILWAY

THE QUESTION OF ROUTE,

JPkr Press Association.! WELLINGTON, Oct. 18. Representatives of the East Coast section of the North Auckland Railuay League waited on the Ministers tins morning to protest against the diver' sion of the route from the East to the West Coast, . During the statements of the deputation, the Minister for Public Works kept up a runniiig comment, characterising some of the assertions as mere guess-work. When Mi\ 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." Killen: I am making on insinuation at all. The Minister: You keep your innuendoes to yourself. Sir Joseph Ward, in replying to the representation, said the request for a commission of inquiry required to be carefully considered. He thought members ought to see the country for themselves. The Government, however, was not prepared to stop Hie construction of railways while people quarrelled about routes, but was prepared to hear both sides. The Minister of Public Works said the Government was only concerned in doing the best for the country as a whole.