RAILWAY WORKS AT WHANGAREI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7656, 5 June 1886, Page 6

RAILWAY WORKS AT WHANGAREI.

THE DEEP-WATER EXTENSION. [In yesterday's impression wo gave a brief account of a meeting held at Whangarei. We now print a longer report. - On Wednesday a largely-attended meeting was held in the public hall, for the purpose of discussing the Financial Statement, and the omission in it of. any reference to public works in this electorate, Mr. Thompson (chairman of the County Council) was unanimously called to the chair... After reading the advertisement' convening the meeting, The Chairman slated that on the Financial Statement being telegraphed to Mr. Street, he called on him (the chairman), and pointed out that no provision had been made tor public works in that electorate, notwithstanding that last session it bad been promised, both by the Premier and Mr. Mitohelion to have the deep-water extension ; and also, that the Premier had promised to make provision for the Puhipuhi Railway. This flagrant injustice to the district prompted biui to call a public meeting to consider the matter, and take some steps to bring pressure to bear on the Government. The Financial Statement, if carried out, would ruin every industry in the district. Not only would the deepwater extension give a great impetus to the present mines, but if provision were made for the coaling of ocean-going steamers, other mines would be developed, and a large amount of money be invested. He had this information from those directors who visited Whangarei only a few days ago. As he knew that there were many persons who attended these meetings for the purpose of misrepresenting them, and designating them hole and-corner meetings, ho suggested that this should be merely a preliminary meeting to consider the Finanoial Statement, so as to let the Government know that they were not asleep, and that, after pasting the resolution which would be proposed, it be adjourned to the following Wednesday. Mr. Harrison said he was pleased when a meeting was. called to consider the Finanoial Statement. On reading that I Statement he saw that the North, and north-Aucklaud in particular, had been most unjustly dealt with. Although the population of the North and South islands were about equal, yet the railways bear to each other in the proportion of 10 miles of line in the South as compared with 6 miles of line in the North Inland. it was neoessary for the people of Whangarei to use every possible means to bring their olaima before the Government, if anything was to be got. He moved, "That this meeting denounces ib the strongest language the omission in the Financial Statement of any provision for the deep-water extension of the railway from Whangarei, the more especially as the Government acknowledged its necessity, and gave a distinct pledge last session that the extension should then be provided for; this breach of faith is the more unjust inasmuch as large sums of money have been invested in the coal industry of the various mines, with the con ident expectation that this promise would be kept, and railway accommodation to deep water provided." The railway accommodation as they had it was sufficient for the present requirements were it not for the coal industry. The greater portion of their coal was used by steamers, and so long as they were dependent on the tides large steamers refused to coal there, and to carry the coal to Auckland and thou tranship it was fatal to tha trade. Many people spoke of the great progress of this district during the last seven years, and it was interesting to trace the great cause of this rapid progress. Previous to this period gum was as plentiful, and worth treble the money, and farm produce was more valuable then than now. To what, then, was the great impetus they had received due ? He believed it was to the development of the coal industry, and unless this industry was fostered the whole district would seriously sutler. It had introduced a wages class, who were large consumers, who otherwise would not have be there. As he (Mr. Harrison) before said the railway would be sufficient for the present wants if they had no coal industry, but they wanted more than this ; they wanted the rapid development wfeich was going on about them to go on, and Whangarei be connected with the Main Trunk line of railway which is to penetrate the North Island.

Mr. McKenzib, in seconding the resolution, said that Mr. Harrison had so generally dealt with the subject that it left little for him to say. There was no doubt on his mind that the deep-water extension w as required, lie believed that no other public work would do the same amount of good. So far as the coal trade was concerned the present clumsy mode of supplying steamers was alow and damaging. This could not be remedied until the railway was carried to Grahamstown, where a large hopper could be erected, and vessels filled faster than men could trim them, and they could get away in a few hours independent of tide*. This would otherwise benefit the district by bringing large quantities of shipping to the port, as well as greatly increasing the mining population. Only this week the s.s, Taupo came to coal on Monday, and for want of storage accommodation and the impediment of tides, only got away that day, being three days in taking in 600 tons of coal. He had pleasure in seconding the resolution. Mr. J. Rkyburk said he coincided with the last speaker. It was only a short time since the s.s. Janet Niool went aground on leaving the wharf. These occurrences did the district an injury. It was not likely that that vessel would run another such risk. The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. Gauruth proposed the second resolution, " That this meeting would impress on the Government the fact that,until provision is made for ocean-going vessels to coal at Whangarei, trade will be crippled to an extent which will imperil this important industry, as well as seriously retard the progress of this important and long-settled district. Be said it was pretty patent they had but. little of public money. All they had was that short railway now open. The mines here have all been opened by private enterprise, and the necessity for better accommodation has not only been admitted by the Government and Mr. Mitchelson but been solemnly promised, and yet, in the face of these promised year after year, from one excuse or other, is deferred. He believed that this was in a great measure owing to the little agitation here. They should keep up an agitation for what was due to them. In all fairness they were entitled to ask for this. He did not know at what point the railway would have to cross the river, but at some point it must cross. This would depend on the engineers. Not only the coal trade, but the town and the whole district would profit by this extension, Whangarei river being the natural outlet for the entire district. Some persons might be benefited more than others, but the whole district must receive a great impetus by it. The increased consumption of produce would give farmers encouragement to produce. Mr. Griffin, in seconding the resolution, said that as a matter of fairness they were entitled to this extension. If Whangarei were compared with other parts, and what it had received compared with the money spout at other mines, it would be seen how unfair it had been treated. Large Bums of money were spent in subsidising other mines, while those here were worked by private enterprise, and all they asked was the construction of a line which was of vast public good. To a great extent the suooees of the country hung on the success of the mining industry, Mr. Stout promised this extension, but how was it carried out ? Perhaps he was willing to do so, but the Government had neglected it, as they were practically disfranchised. Their member did not seem disposed to help them. What they got they must get themselves. Mr. Armstrong thought that if the Government did not make the railway, a syndicate could be formed to make it and the Puhipuhi. Mr. Smkaton thought that the member was doing all he could, and that he had done his best. He thought it necessary for settlers to meet together in separate places, and be prepared to come and say what they want. The forests as well as the mines should be utilised. Mr. Brown said that so far as the member was concerned they were misrepresented. They should take a vote of censure. He admitted that it was cowardly to attack a man behind his back, but it most be remembered that Mr. Mitchelson had neglected to oome before his constituents. In his address, the attempt was made to draw a herring across the scent of the Puhipuhi Railway, by adverting to the deep-water extension, and saying that every portion of the North must

have its share. He also stated what was not true, that the land along the line to Puhipuhi was not fit for settlement. Why, the land was already, and had been for years, occupied! by prosperous settlers. The Puhipuhi Bailway should never be lost sight of. Mr. Jackson expressed sympathy with Mr. Brown's remarks, and pointed out the necessity for the Puhipuhi Railway. He also stated that he had a letter from Mr. Mitchelson, in whifth he professed himself favourable to it, and promised to assist in getting it, and he could not understand his present opposition. M-. Smith complained of the nonfuliiiment of the Puhipuhi Railway. It would have conferred a vast benefit ou the district. That forest was now, however, proclaimed a State forest, and it was out of their reach at present. It would have opened up a large coal country—a coal equal to that of Greymouth, for which the oountry had become responsible for half a million of money. The deep-water extension was nothing new. Five years ago he (Mr. Smith) and the chairman brought it before tbe Government. Mr. Whitaker then said that the contract was signed, and that the breaking of it would involve compensation. It was known that engineers had reported against blasting and dredging, and that any expense in that way would be money thrown away. The current was not fast enough to keep the liver clear if dredged. The only thing that could benefit Whangarei was the deep-water extension. Mr. Harrison said that many seemed to think that there were discordant views in this matter. It was not so. At present the Puhipuhi Railway could not be got. It required speoial legislation. He thought a syndicate the best means of effecting that object. Ask for that bush to make the railway, and agitate till they get it. On the other hand, there was every probability of their getting the Government to provide the deep-water extension. »Mr. Bust pointed out that in time of war Whangarei would be an important coaling station. The resolution was put and carried unanimously. •