rivate meeting of its supporters. Very much to my
dissatisfaction I found that the Hughenden-Winton line was not
included.

I will explain here that during the previous session I was invited by
Sir Thomas McIlwraith to call at his office. He then explained to me
what was in his mind in regard to railways in the west. This was an
extension north-westerly from Charleville towards Barcaldine; from
Longreach and Hughenden to Winton; from Hughenden to Cloncurry; from
Winton to Boulia _via_ Llanrheidol; and from Winton in a north-westerly
direction towards Cloncurry and the Gulf, keeping to the higher country,
but as low down the rivers flowing into the latter as would be safe. The
mineral country which caused the present line to run in a south-westerly
direction from Cloncurry was then unknown.

The terminus on the Gulf was to be on its western side, if possible in
Queensland territory, but if necessary he might negotiate with South
Australia for a port in the Northern Territory, from which, if
advisable, that Colony might join up with Port Darwin. Such a scheme,
Sir Thomas said, would bring the three principal ports, Brisbane,
Rockhampton and Townsville, in touch with their western back country,
which would also have its choice of ports. Queensland would become
connected through its Gulf outlet with the Eastern countries; have a
more direct route to Europe, and be practically independent of Sydney
and Melbourne. He added that whether the scheme would eventuate or not,
it was his intention to have a line from Hughenden to Winton, so as to
bring the district within reach of its natural port--Townsville, instead
of being forced to Rockhampton. He presumed he could count on my
support, which I promised. I submitted the information as being strictly
confidential to Fraser, of Manuka, who, as chairman of my supporting
committee, would at his discretion disclose the matter to such as he
might consider reliable. When I saw Nelson after the meeting, he
disclaimed all knowledge of McIlwraith's promise as regards the Winton
line, and looking at a map from Townsville out, said the line would be
nothing but a "dog-leg business." I explained to him that, acting on
the information given by McIlwraith, and with his knowledge, I had told
my committee, who had built their hopes upon his promise, and informed
Nelson I felt so strongly on the point, that as I could not personally
oppose the Government policy on any other matters, I would resi