North Auckland Railway League.

Northland Age, Volume V, Issue 16, 7 December 1908, Page 5

North Auckland Railway League.

A conference of delegates from all the Eailway Leagues in the North, representatives of local bodies, and other gentlemen took place in the Whangarei Council Chambers on Thursday morning, Decern* her 3, when about twenty were in attendance. The’ meeting was the outcome of an effort originating with Mr. N. Finlayson, President of the Maungaturoto Eailway League, who has for some time been endeavouring to interest the various scattered bodies in a proposal to concentrate their forces in one controlling society, thus helping to gain for the North by co-operation the railway facilities so much needed and so long delayed. Mr. Finlays on, as the basis of his remarks, moved :—“ That an association he formed, to be called the ‘ North Auckland Eailway League,’ the object of which shall be the performance of any function calculated to secure the construction of the Main Trunk Eailway Line north of Auckland with the most expedition.” In supporting the motion, Mr. Jack said that the proposal conveyed no suggestion of antagonism to the Auckland League, but that body had other railway interests to attend to as well as the main northern line. He trusted that there would be no division of opinion as to route, but that it would he left to the Government to decide that matter, the North Auckland League members in the meantime pulling all together and standing to one undivided purpose. Unanimous assent was given to the motion, on its being put to the vote of the meeting. On Mr. Crane’s motion the meeting decided, “That the ordinary members’ subscription to the North Auckland Eailway League be £1 per annum.” Several subscribers names were entered, in the room. Mr. Ed. Harding, who was appointed President, urged the taking of an . independent stand by the league and the devotion of every energy to the object in view. The Vice-Presidential positions were filled by the election of Messrs. D. W. Jack, A. E. Yarborough, and N. Finlayson. Mr. S. J. McCormick was appointed Treasurer, and the choice of a secretary was left in the hands of the executive, Mr. Froude taking the position pro tem. An extensive excursion, to take place in the middle of January, was arranged, this covering the probable line of railway between Wellsford and Kohukohu, and the conference may be described as the initial attempt at forwarding a railway into the Hokianga County.