Cost of Two Stations.

The total cost of Auckland and Wellington Stations and necessary undertakings was £4,825,000. “We must, therefore, take the necessary steps to spread the burden of taxation necessary over a greater number of people,” he said.

The New Zealand Railways in the past had done much to open up this young country, and although not meeting interest on the whole capital cost, had been justified. The new station was further evidence of the confidence of the country and administrators and heads of Departments in the future of the Dominion. The station would be another attraction for tourists, and it had to be remembered that they had a long way to go before the possibilities of tourist traffic was exhausted.

“In conclusion,” he said, “I sincerely trust, and am confident, that the rising generation will have reason to approve of the provisions now being made (at some considerable presentday sacrifice) for their future requirements.”