EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLV, Issue 7570, 3 September 1885, Page 2

EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Christchurch, September 2. A monster open-air demonstration was held here fco-d&y in favor of tbe East and West Coast and Nelson Railway, It vtas the largest gathering that has ever taken place in this city. A procession, composed of representatives from the various tirades 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 marched through the city to Hagley-patk, the procession being quite a mile in length, and the streets crowded alt along tbe 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. O. Bowen proposed the first resolution as follows: “ That, In tbe opinion of this great gathering*, representing all classes of the people of Canterbury, it is da injustice to the interests of Canterbury, Westland and Nelson that the prosecution of a colonial work of the 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, “ Thai this gathering desires to tender its best thanks to tbe Canterbury and other members of the House of Representatives who have advocated the construction of the East 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 tbe motion, which, like the preceding one, was enthusiastically received and adopted. Though the assemblage was so large, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, tbe proceedings were most orderly throughout, not a single accident orcase of disorderly conduct occurring to mar the success of tbe gathering.