South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Thursday 14 February 1889, page 6


ANOTHER RAILWAY SYNDICATE

LINE FROM ROEBUCK BAY TO ANGLE POLE.

M. Yiolette, representing a Syndlcate of British capitalists, is engaged in sub-mitting proposals to the Governments of Western and South Australia for the con-

struction of a line from Roebuck Bay to Angle Pole, near the Peake station. The distance is estimated at 1,000 miles. The line would be constructed on the 5 ft. 3 gauge, and be similar in construction to the line between South Australia and Melbourne. It would be constructed within twelve years of the signing of the contract. Prior to building the permanent line the Syndicate would run a light line and a telegraph line for the whole distances. All auriferous and other mineral land to be reserved to the Crown. Crown leases on the Syndicate's concessions would not be interfered with, but the Syndicate would become the landlord. In return they ask the concession of 35,000 acres per mile ; the land to be selected along the line, and to own and work the line. M. Yiolette, who is a French engineer, states that proposals have been made to the Governments of both colonies, and a reply has been received stating that a Bill will be laid before the respective Parlia-ments. The Treasurer states that M. Yiolette called upon him, and he gave him to understand that the South Aus-tralian Government were averse to the proposal. The Premier points out that the acceptance of the proposal, which means the running of a line from Roebuck Bay to a point between Alice Springs and Barrow's Creek, would mean the shutting out of the Northern Territory. The offer is evidently made with a view of shortening the route to India, but that can only be done at the expense of the northern portion of South Australia. Hence the answer of the Government. While the present Government lasts there is not the least chance of any Bill to provide for the construction of the railway being intro-duced, and another argument against it is that the proposal is to construct a 5 ft. 3 in. gauge to meet a 3 ft. 6 in.