The Manawatu Standard PUBLISHED DAILY.) Suivant la verite. TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1883. THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 135, 15 May 1883, Page 2

Manawatu Standard PUBLISHED DAILY.) Suivant la verite. TUESDAY, MAY 15, 1883. THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Wb make no apology for keeping this mo6t important subject prominently before our leaders. Unless agitation is had recourse to m time- — and m. this case agitation is of the most legitimate character possibles-there is very little doubt that the political combinations will gain their ends, and serve th^ir private purposes which are not identical by any means with the interests of the vast district which will stand affected. It should ever be borne m mind as forcibly pointed out m the Rangiora Standard that the main feature of Sir Julius VoQbl's policy of Immigration and Public Works was that the latter would open out the country, and develop its resources by joining centres of population, one with the other, and, m fact, causing a ramification of agricultural, paßtoral, and farming interests such as a young colony like New Zealand imperatively required. There has been, so to speak, but a playing with the extensiou for the past few years, but practically prosecuting the line, has almost remained m abeyance, m fact it has next door to hang fiire. Now, we will ask that supposing- the Mokau route is chosen what centres will be connected by it j or what country will be opened up ? Were an independent Commission appointed to investigate the respective merits of the alternative routes, there can be n<> doubt as to the result But agitation and pressure alone will bring about that all-important consummation. Between the present time and the commencement of the session of Parliament is the time to move ; but what is to be done should be done promptly, energetically, and so as to ensure the co- operation of the whole West Coast, whose interests with regard thereto ere essentially identical. We trust so vital a question will not be permitted to remhin m