The Lake Erie and Northern and the Grand Valley Railways.

A bylaw is to be voted upon by the ratepayers of Brantford, Ont., Jan. 3, to ratify the sale of the section of the Grand Valley Ry., from Paris to Galt, 13.07 miles, for $30,000. We are officially advised that the agreement to sell was passed by the railway committee, which comprises a majority of the city council. The property to be sold consists of the right-of-way and tracks for the mileage named, the city council to have the right to lift the tracks, etc., from the Blue Lake branch. This agreement was ratified by the city council, Nov. 30, with the condition that the bylaw be ratified by the ratepayers. The council also decided to allow the Lake Erie & Northern to repair the track from the diamond to the south of Galt, where the L.E. and N.R. tracks cross, about 3,500 ft., which will enable that company to operate the line as soon as it is ready to do so. The company to operate the line as soon as it is ready to do so. The company is electrifying the line between Brantford and Galt, and will also electrify the line from Brantford to Port Dover, 31.4 miles, the track laying on which has just been completed. The work is being done as part of the consideration involved.

The Grand Valley Ry. was part of the property acquired by the city, on the winding up of the G.V.R. Co. The city retains the lines within Brantford, and the section of the G.V.R. from Brantford to Paris, 7.68 miles. The Paris-Galt section is in a bad state of repair, and it was estimated that it would cost $43,000, with a further outlay in the immediate future of $30,000 for new steel rails, to put it in a position to meet the competition of the L.E. and N.R. This section of line is being operated by three passenger cars and one freight car, entrance being obtained into Galt over the Galt, Preston and Hespeler St. Ry. tracks. the revenue for the six months ended June 30 was $6,675, and the operating expenses were $8,230. After making provision for interest, sinking fund and depreciation, the total deficit for the six months was $2,674. The value of the section, as estimated by J. C. Royce, consulting engineer, is exclusive of right-of-way, $21,000.

In connection with the operation of the line, it is understood that connection will be made with the Galt, Preston and Hespeler St. Ry. (which is also leased to the C.P.R.) at Galt, and that an agreement for the issue of through tickets has been made with the Brantford and Hamilton Ry. It is further said that the company entered into an agreement with the Brantford and Hamilton Ry. for the erection of a union terminal at the foot of Lorne Bridge, Brantford.

Railways: B. & H.E.Ry., C.P.Ry., G.P. & H.St.Ry., G.V.Ry., L.E. & N.Ry.

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