EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY BILL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2538, 22 October 1884, Page 2

EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY BILL.

»•— There was a large attendance at the meeting held at the County Council Chambers, Hokitika, last evening to consider and discuss the questiou of the East and West Coast Railway route. In the East and West Coast Kail way Bill, now passed to and read a first time in the Legislative Council on Monday last, it appears that there are three alternative routes specified—the Arthur's Pass route, the Hnruoui route, and the Cannibal Gorge route, and the selection of one of the three is left to the Governor-in-Council. The Times reports:— The Mayor occupied the chair and stated that the object of the meetiug was to assist the representatives of the district in passing the East and West Coast Railway Bill, now before Parliament. Mr Rue explained that since the meeting had been convened, the Assembly had passed the bill referred to, and he felt much pleasure in congratulating the district on the success which had been achieved in this respect. He was delighted to know that the Arthur's Pass route was the one which had been adopted. He pointed out the advantages of that route as compared with the others. Mr Bonar was likewise pleased to know that the wishes of the League had been met by the adoption of this route. The engineers had reported favorably of the line now adopted, aud its advantages were obvious to all in this locality. He moved "That this meeting view with great satisfaction the decision arrived at by the Assembly, in adopting the Arthur's Pass route, it being the most advantageous to Westland." Mr Jack had much pleasure in seconding the motion. It was the route which had been all along advocated by the League. Mr Cumming, Mr Malfroy, and the Mayor spoke in support of the resolulution.

The County Chairman hoped, before the measure came on for discussion in the Upper House, that the Hon. Mr Bonar would be able to be present. His experience and knowledge would be serviceable, and would be of benefit to the district. Mr Bonar said the Bill had passed the Assembly sooner than was expected. He purposed leaving Hokitika on Friday for Wellington, if possible, and would do his utmost in the manner indicated by the meeting. The Mayor took occasion to thank Mr Rae for his invaluable services on so many occasions in connection witli railway matters. He proposed that a special vote of thanks be proposed to Mr Rae. Mr Malfroy spoke highly of the services rendered by Mr Rae, and seconded the resolution, which was carried with acclamation. A vote of thanks to the Mayor terminated the proceedings.