CATLIN'S RIVER RAILWAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2368, 20 July 1899, Page 46

CATLIN'S RIVER RAILWAY.

PUBLIC MEETING- AT RATANUI.

A public meeting of farmers and sawmillers was held at the schoolhouse, Ratanui, on Satxirday to advocate the extension of the Catlin's River railway. About 40 were present, and Mr W. Carlton was voted to the chair.

Mr D. Moir moved and Mr R. B. S tansfield seconded the following resolution : — " That this meeting of farmers, eawmillers, and others of Ratanui and Houipapa beg to bring under the notice of the Government the urgent necessity of at once proceeding with the extension of the Catlin'a River railway into the Tahakopa Valley. This would give facilities for the settlers -and dairy factories getthig out' fat stock and dairy produce, also sawmillers getting to a profitable market the immense quantities of building timber, railway sleepers, and fencing posts, which could be got from this forest, "and for which there ia an ever-increasing demand. Further, that we are strongly in favour of the Government bringing down a public works policy, and raising sufficient money by way of loan, as this is the only practical means whereby this and other railways can be finished at an early date; and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister for Public Works and the member for the district." Several speeches were made, after which the motion was put to the meeting, and carried unanimously.

Considerable interest was taken in Mr_ Thos. Mackenzie's expected arrival in the colony, and the meeting resolved—" That a requisition hs got up inviting Mr Mackenzie to contest the Clutha seat (his old constituency) at the forthcoming election."