§ DR. R. AMBROSEI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state when the Achill Extension Railway will be ready for traffic; if he is aware that the only obstacles to the completion of the line are the building of two stations and the straightening of two curves in the line; if, in view of the great benefits that will accrue to the inhabitants of Achill Island by the speedy opening of such railway, he will see that his promise is carried out—namely, that the line will be ready for use next January; and if the tenants through whose lands the railway passes have been compensated; if not, why?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) OldhamI am informed that the Achill Extension Railway could be opened for traffic within three months of the agreement with the Midland Great Western Railway Company being settled. For this purpose detailed plans and estimate of the required alterations and additional works are in hand and should be shortly com- 1029 pleted. The line is completed with exception of stations, telegraph, and water supply, and certain alterations of line in locations, curves, and gradients. It might be opened for traffic by the end of January, but could not be completed till the spring. All tenants have been compensated save three, who declined to take any money even on account.