THE WEST COAST RAILWAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 25, 18 November 1879, Page 2

THE WEST COAST RAILWAY.

(From the Chronicle, of Saturday.) A deputation, representing the West Coast, --ettlors betwoen Foxton and Wanganui and at Otaki, waited upon tho Hon Mr Oliver this morning to urge the desirability of commenointr the West Coast line of railway at tho Foxton end as well as the Wellington. The deputation consisted of Messi's London and Russell, and was introduced by Mr Walter \ Johnstone, M. 11. JR. Thoy presented two numerously signed peti tions from tho settlers. Mr loudou pointed out that, if the line at Foxtou were commenced, it would open up and render large tracts of country available foi settlement beyond Paikakariki : Mr Russell stated that if the live were started it would tap a splendid country, aud not rraly give employment to a large number oi ; men. ''ir- encourage settlement on the laud at the same time. Ho might meution thafc the native owaors. of the district gave tnoir strong sapporfc to tho petition. He would only add that it would be unjust to shipping of Foxton, whero they had a good harbor, if the West Oiast linp wore not begun tliere at the same time as afc Wellington Mr Oliver iv re piy said that he entirely agreed with the deputation as to the advantage of opening u> land ! for settlement and doing-so by meuns Jof railway works. This was wiy ihe (iovernmont had resolved to endeavor to establish village setfclemeits by means of public works, and shoild the finances ot the colony admit of i there was every wish on the parfc if the ■Government to do so in the wiij suggested by the deputation. But the finances of the colony were no; jnst

now in a fiouri*hing condition, and the expedition used in these railway works, would depend very much upou tUe state of the new loan. - ,' Mr Loudon enquired if ih^ Government received favor ible advices respecting the loan, would they com-, tn nc i fche work afc Foxton ? Mr Oliver replied thti' the Government hid o> ery disposition fco do so. The representations of the deputation should havo due weight when the mab er came up for consideration aud should ri.ii be forgotten whenever the Government was in a posi iou oo deal with it. Ir. was impossible, however, for him in th -\ meantime to state the iiiGeu-ions of the Government as to auyofthe.se public works, with any deli ti ifc ness. Mr Loudon raminded the Minister fchat when .Mr >acaudrew was in the Manawatu he promise I tlufc the.railway should be started at both ends Mr Oliver could only say that if Mr Mucuidrew were then present he would no doubt tell them thafc he foun 1 ho was con,j«lled to modify somewhat the views he then expressed