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Manawatu Times, Volume X, Issue 1242, 12 July 1884, Page 2

When Criticising Mr Donald Fraser's speech to the electors we alluded to the fact that it contained no re* ference to questions of local importance such as the Gorge railway. Yesterday Mr Fraeer called at our office and explained his reasons for omitting reference to this and similar questions, and m fairness to liim .w.e hasten to give tbem publicity. He ofep'lajine'd that he had not alluded to these matters"in -% his speech becaused be considered that, as I 'they were subjects of great local import* anee, some questions were sure to be asked m reference to them, wheu an opportunity would be afforded hi -n of stating his opinions. As .a matter of fact, however, these questions were never put to birn, nor have they .been throughout the contest. Ha did not desire" io al* lude to them iv his speeob proper, because un^cr those circumstances it might have appeared that be was fishing £or Palmerston votes; He informs us fcha£ he considers the Gorge railway is of aveij greater importance to this -district! and p. fact to the Colony generally, than the Ma^n Trunk line, for the' reason ,thaj; '$ wijli (Cpuße/o^ tjje existing lines of railway, and make them prove far more profitable thaij tbey .can possibly j?o m their present state of lsoiatidn. Ho is fuvf^er of opinion that the Gorge railway sfrfluld jqin at Palmerston, but this would jn his opinion be a matter for tbe engineers to decide. As the Provincial Government, however, disposed of the land at Bunnythorpe with the district understanding that the junction should be there, he is also of opinion that, if the railway is constructed from Palmerston, the holders of sections ij} Bunnythorpe are fairly entitled to compensation. Such are Mr Donald Fraser's views on this question, as stated to' us, and m justice to him we publish them without comment.