THE NORTH AUCKLAND RAILWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 78, 4 April 1899, Page 2

THE NORTH AUCKLAND RAILWAY.

(To the Editor.) Sir,-During the late visit paid by Mr Seddon to Auckland, it was deemedJul visable by many people who were inter ested in the extension of the Helensvine railway northwards that some influence should be brought to bear upon him for the furtherance of this work Accordingly a meeting was held and it was decided:— 1 That an association, to be caiiea the North Auckland Railway Extension League be formed. 2 That a deputation wait upon M_ Seddon to press the desirability of the extension upon him. _ A deputation in due course waited upon Mr Seddon and was received most favourably by him. At this meeting Mr Seddon definitely stated that his Cabinet were committed to the work of extending the Helensvllle railway, and thai the question of rate of construction was one of ways and means. It is thought by my committee that if the railway is to be extended, it is imperative that the settlers of the North should wake up from their present somewhat indifferent attitude and demand as their right that this work be carried on. My committee are of opinion that the future prosperity of the North largely depends upon the opening up of the country by means of a railway, in order that the country may be brought into closer touch with the markets and thereby induce settlement. The question to be considered now is in what way the matter in hand may he best advanced. We would be obliged if the matter were brought up at your first available Council meeting, and the opinion of your Council obtained. It,is quite clear that if anything is to be done funds will be necessary. In order to provide these funds it is hoped that the councillors of the County CpUncfls in the North will call meetings in their respective ridings, form branches of our League, and call upon members for an annual subscription of say anything from 1/ to 5/ a head. We are quite undecided as to whether it would be more desirable to have the headquarters Of the League in Auckland or in some central point in the country. We trust that if you are Inclined to take the matter up you will. give us your opinion on this question and throw out any suggestions that you may deem advisable for the furthering 6f the scheme in hand. The gentlemen in Auckland Who are the promoters of the League are Captain Colbeck, Mr Gerald. Peacocke, Mr Tom Coates, Mr Ford (Maungaturoto), Mr Fisher, Mr lies, Mr Lester, Mr Metcalfe, and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. A reply addressed to me at the adress given dbelow Will oblige.— Yours, etc., TJ _ M#