EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 705, 4 September 1885, Page 22

EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Nelson, September 1. A monster meeting in connection with the formation of a Nelson branch of the East and West Coast and Nelson Railway League was held to-night, when the several resolutions were carried amidst cheers, and great enthusiasm prevailed. The first resolution was that all present pledge themselves to join the League, and use their utmost endeavors to promote the construction of the railway. The second resolution was that, inasmuch as this railway was one of the trunk lines first authorised, it is the opinion of this meeting that the Nelson, West Coast, and Canterbury members are justified in opposing all railway works expenditure throughout the Colony until the proposed vote for the East and West Coast and Nelson Railway is passed. The speakers (Messrs Haddow and Jackson) referred to the Acts authorising this railway and the numerous pledges given by Government, and spoke of the circumstances under which provincial liabilities were taken over by the General Government, when Nelson province, being free from debt, was to get a special vote. £90,000 was offered, but this was not considered a fair share, and the result wa3 that Nelson received nothing. The other resolution reminded those opposing the Government in their proposals that their action tended to raise provincial feelings antagonistic to the unity of the Colony. A strong and representative Committee was elected, and a large number signed a pledge to further the objects of the League, and paid a shilling each as an entrance fee. Mr Pitt was ia the chair, and amongst the speakers were the Bishop of Nelson 'and several couutry residents, Christchurch, September 2. A monater open-air demonstration was held here to-day in favor of the East and West Coast and Nelson Railway, It was the largest gathering that has ever taken place in this city. A procession, composed of representatives from the various trades and friendly societies, members of the City and Borough Councils, County Councils, Road Boards, In dustrial Association, and other public bodies, was marshalled (in Cathedral-square at 2 p.m, thence it marohed through the

city to Hagley-park, the procession being quite a mile in length, and the streets crowded all along the line of route. At the Park a mass meeting was held, attended by quite 20,000 persons of both sexes. Mr A. Ayres, the acting Mayor, presided. Mr C. C. Bowen proposed the first resolution as follows : “ That, in the opinion of this great gathering, representing all classes of the people cf Canterbury, it is an. injustice to the interests of Canterbury, Westland and Nelson that the prosecution of a colonial work of tbe importance of the East and West Coast and Nelson Railway should be any longer delayed, and that, while trusting that the sum of £150,000 placed upon the Estimates will not be rejected by the House, the Legislature be earnestly invited to proceed with the development of a scheme for dealing finally and comprehensively with the construction of this line.” Mr G. G. Stead seconded the resolution, which was carried by acclamation. Mr Acton Adams moved, “That this gathering desires to tender its best thanks to the Canterbury and other members of the House of Representatives who have advocated the construction of the Bast and West Coast and Nelson railway, and trusts they will not relax their effort until this important work has been commenced.” Mr J. D. Frankish seconded the motion, which, like the preceding one, was enthusiastically received and adopted. Though the assemblage was so large, and. the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, the proceedings were most orderly throughout, not a single accident orcase of disorderly conduct occurring to mar the success of the gathering.