THE AUCKLAND-TARANAKI RAILWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 227, 26 September 1898, Page 3

THE AUCKLAND-TARANAKI RAILWAY.

ANOTHER MASS MEETING.

On Saturday evening a mass meeting of citizens organised by the Auclcland-Tara-naki Railway League was held at the Greystreet, firebell. There was a gathering o several hundreds of people. Mr Malcolm Nicuol presided.. The first resolution moved was one by Mr R. Tudehope as follows: " That Auckland and Taranaki members be requested to use every constitutional means in their power to compel the Government to do simple justice to this part of the colony by providing railway communication between Auckland and Taranaki without further delay." Mr Tudehope urged the public to be unanimous on the matter of the route. Once unanimity was obtained they ought to be persistent in demanding the railway. It would only be the people's own fault if they did not succeed in getting what they wanted. Mr W. J. Ralph seconded the motion, and disagreed from Mr Cadman, who advised the people to be quiet till next elections. Mow was the time to agitate. They had waited long enough, and should not put off their demands any longer. He considered there was # no comparison between the two routes, and tliere was no question that it ■would Ie greatly to Auckland's interests to agitate for the Stratford route as against the Central line.- The question of finance would have to be considered, and the people would have to face a loan. Mr J. Fawcus, speaking in support of the motion, contradicted the "Herald's" statement that the Workers' League was led by the Citizens' League and was simply the mouthpiece of the latter. It was the Workers, lie said, who took the active initiative by calling mass meetings. Mr Fawcus said that if the Government would not consent to place a sum on the estimates for the commencement of the Auck-land-Stratford Railway, he would go so far as to urge the Auckland members to block the Government until they got what was wanted. As to the Hon. Mr McCullough, if he did not back down during the coming week the citizens of Auckland would be treated to a pyrotechnic display next Saturday night, when the honourable gentleman would be hanged at the lamppost (near where the speaker was standing), and burnt in effigy (laughter). The motion was carried amidst applause, only one hand being held up against it. Mr Gerald L. Peacocke moved : " That this meeting resolves to oppose the return to Parliament at next general elections of any member who fails to actively and vigorously support the Auckland-Taranaki railway regardless of party." Mr Peacocke reiterated the arguments in favour of the Taranaki connection, and said it was necessary to tell the members of Parliament their, duty, and to force on them the knowledge that they should faithfully carry out the wishes of the people. Mr Tyson, Secretary of the Amalgamated Carpenters' and Joiners' Union, seconded the motion.

Mr John Brame made a stirring speech, which was received with loud applause. He had, he said, seen the colony sold for want of unanimity, and he urged them to bring pressure on the Auckland members so as to compel their unanimity in getting Auckland's wants attended to. The motion was carried unanimously.

On the motion of Mr J. McK. Geddes, seconded by Mr Shera, a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Niccol for his services as Chairman.

The above resolutions were wired to Sir G. M. O'ilorke to-day.