WAIUKU-WAIKATO CANAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 236, 3 October 1916, Page 7

WAIUKU-WAIKATO CANAL.

<By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.! WAIUKU, this day. Great interest was displayed at a meeting of the Waiuku Chamber of Commerce, held last night, to discuss the proposed Waiuku-Waikato canal. The subject was introduced by a letter from Onehunga-Manukau Chamber of Commerce asking tbat a deputation from the Waiuku Chamber should meet a committee of their chamber to co-operate in arrangements for a visit to Wainku over the proposed route by leading residents of Auckland and suburban districts, members of Parliament, and others, also to hold a public meeting in Waiuku with the.object of furthering the canal proposal. Mr. L. E. Shakespear (secretary of the Waiuku Railway League) said he considered it would be a great mistake if Waiuku let the canal project retard the completion of the railway, and in bis view Mr. Shakespear found solid support, but a majority of those present considered that, as the railway is a local matter, and the canal a provincial, or even national one, the latter proposal would not injuriously affect railway progress. Speakers strongly favoured the canal, stating that the scheme for the proposed lock at tbe Needles was turned down by Waiuku people under a misapprehension. The lock, was estimated to cost £50,000, and it was thought that the Auckland Harbour Board would pay half interest on a loan. The Northern Shipping Company would probably con- | tribute, and the balance would be left for the Waiuku district. From the Main Trunk line to Manukau Heads would be negligible.It was ultimately decided to meet the Onehunga-Manukau Chamber as requested. The- president. (Mr. W. Adamson), Mr. S. T. Rossiter, and tha secretary were appointed a committee to meet as requested.