VIEWS OF AUCKLAND MEMBERS ON THE POINT. Wellington, Oct. 17. THE PROPOSED CONNECTION WITH STRATFORD.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 225, 22 October 1887, Page 5

VIEWS OF AUCKLAND MEMBERS ON THE POINT. Wellington, Oct. 17.

THE PROPOSED CONNECTION WITH STRATFORD.

The movement in Auckland in the direction of securing a return to the Stratford route in the construction of the North Island Main Trunk Railway has given rise to a great deal of bad feeling here, and the determined hostility of the Wellington members to the proposal may be relied upon. The "Post," which has always been very bitter on this subject, devoted a leading article to it on Saturday evening, and says: — "Auckland merchants are making a very bare-faced attempt to utilise the presence of Major Atkinson and Mr Mitchelson on the Government benches to reopen the question of the route of the North Island Main Trunk Railway. They want the line diverted so as to in the first instance connect New Plymouth with Auckland, although Stratford route was, after an exhaustive inquiry by a South Island, and therefore disinteiested, Committee, condemned, and the route via Marton approved of. These Auckland traders seek to use the turn of political events &o as to promote theii piuely selfish interests, altogether irrespective of the interests of the colony. The political immorality of the attempt is extraordinary. Ii there is one thing more than another which the country has affirmed in the late elections it is that no new railways rue to be sanctioned at the present, and that the completion of lines in progress is the full extent to which public woiks should be carried under existing financial condi* tions ; yet Auckland not only wants a new line to be sanctioned, but one aheady partly constructed to be abandoned and the money specifically raised for it diverted to the new line. Such proceeding would be a serious blow to the credit of the colony, and whatever their private inclinations may be we do not believe that Major Atkinson, Mr Mitchelson, or the Auckland members generally, would dare to lend themselves to a proceeding of the kind. It is one which we are confident the House would indignantly reject if it u ere proposed. New Plymouth is always within a few hours' steam communication with Auckland, and it is connected by rail with Wellington. It has all the necessary facilities of approach, and even if the colony were rolling in wealth there -would be many more legitimate claims for railways than that of New Plymouth for direct connection with Auckland. What is asked ia that the colony should spend a large amount and commit an act of flagrant bad faith in order to divert to Auckland such of the New Plymouth trade as is at present done with Wellington. That such a proposal fchould be seriously put forth is a wonderful commentary on the doubtful character in regaid to the sincerity of the popular cry for ietrenchment and prudent administration. The conduct of Major Atkinson and Mr Mitchelson in this matter will need to be closely watched, and as soon as the Hou&e reassembles Aye trust some "Wellington member will question the Government strictly as to its intention in regard to the maiiL North Island Trunk Railway and obtain a distinct pledge that it is to be continued by the piesent route and pushed on as quickly as circumstances will allow. The necessity for such a pledge is appaient in view of the present Auckland agitation."

Meeting of Auckland Members. At a meeting of Auckland members held on Saturday the Star's article on the inaiu trunk line of railway was discussed. The members present were : Sir George Grey (who presided), Messrs Goldie, Withy, Thompson, Hobbs, Lawry, Fraser, Cadman, Kelly, Peacock, Monk and Jackson. It was agreed " That an early opportunity should be taken to re-open the whole question." The opinion was expressed that as in these days retrenchment was the nil absorbing question, the fact of something like £500,000 being saved by the alteration would carry weight, and would probably enable Auckland members to get the alterations desired.