THE NORTHERN RAILWAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5729, 29 March 1880, Page 6

THE NORTHERN RAILWAY.

Ax influential meeting of landholders was hold at the old suhool-house, Wainui, on 6th March, to induce the Government to alter the line of railway, as at present surveyed. Mr. Hellycr, Chairman of the Road Board, was appointed chairman.

The Chairman aaid : No doubt you are all aware that the line of the Northern Railway, as at present surveyed, passes over several tidal creeks, requiring very expeusive bridges, and that the engineering difficulties on the line are lik'.ly to be impracticable, in consequence of the large sums of money that will be required to complete the works. The object of the present meeting is to acquaint the Government that a much shorter and easier line can be had, which will cost only a moderate amount, besides benefiting large numbers of people residing in the interior, who are dependent upon difficult roads, and have no tidal creeks on which to convey their produce. Gentlemen who are aoqnainted with the advantages of the proposed line, and with the difficulties aud disadvantages of the other, will be so good as to lay their views and proposals before the meetiug, in a short and practical manner.

After the subject had been well ventilated,

Mr. Yates proprscd, and Mr. Lambbkt seconded, 44 That the Government be requested to alter the line of Northern Railway a3 now surveyed, which starts from Helensville and over Kaukapakapa, Makarau, and Kouiokoriki tidal creeks, and take a central line through the country, commencing at the Kumea junction of Kaipara railway to Lamb's dam; from thcuce to Arariuiu Bridge, thence to Ararimu Flat; from thence to lots 30G and 307, Pukeatua, to Mr. King's farm, 34 Waiwera, along the Waitoki Valley, passing lot 35, Waiwera, and on to Cooper's 15ush, 112, or Asbton's, lIS and 111, Waiwera, and there counect with tho present survey, thus saving iu distance 20 miles, aud in money upwards of £120,000. The proposed lino would pass over a very easy country, where the works will be of a much lighter character, with no difficulties to surmount, with abundance of stone ballast and timber for every purpose on the lino. Ib will also pass through a settled part of the country, and will take the large quantities of timber produced at \Vaiuui, and all the agricultural produce of the settlers, which will amount to a considerable Bum annually." The motion was passed unanimously. Mr. Fkxnel proposed, Mr. R. Scott seconded, "ThatW Swanson, Epq., M. H.R., an<l y. T. George, Esq., M.H.R.. be requested by the chairman to present the resolution as passed to the Hon. tho. Minister for Public Works, when he visits Auckland, and use their influence to get the liuc surveyed as suggested." Carried, It was decided that f*h-ul I the Minister order the survey, Mr. Yates, Mr. Scott, or any of the Waniui rcsideuts would go over the proposed liue with the surveyors. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting dispersed.