RAILWAY TO AUCKLAND.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 4061, 7 June 1882, Page 3

RAILWAY TO AUCKLAND.

[FROM THE " WAXGANUI HERALD."] A meeting of the North Island members was held ou Saturday to consider the completion of the trunk line through the Island. Present — The convener, Mr. Dargaville (in the chair), Sir G. Grey, Messrs. Morris, Swanson, Whyte, Trimble, Sheehan, Moss, To Wheoro, Hnrst, Tole, Kelly, Cadman, Mitchelfon, Hamlin, and Whitaker, Junr. The alternative routes from Te Awaxautu via. the West side of Lake Taupo to Wanganui about IGO miles, and from Te Awamutu to Waitara about 100 miles, were discussed, and it was unanimously resolved to support the latter. Te Wheoro made an interesting statement as to the willingness of Tawhiao and other chiefs that this line should be constructed, but the chiefs desired nothing done in a hurry. Mr. Dargaville pointed out that one most important matter was that they should come to an understanding as to the manner in which that portion of the loan to be appropriated for the construction should be so tied up that, pending its expenditure, no Ministry should be able to apply it to any. other purpose. Several members expressed their determinnfion that unless it were shown that this line could be gone on with at once, and the vote placed beyond auy possibility of beiug appropriated to another purpose, they would oppose the proposed loan. Sir George Grey and others said they were satisfied the survey could be commenced within a month if negotiations were immediately set on foot. The following resolution was passed unanimously : — That a Committee consisting of Messrs. Dargaville, Sheehan, Kelly, Hamlin, Colonel Trimble, and Major Te Wheoro, be appointed to collect information in reference to the AucklandTaranaki line of railway, and to report definitely ou the possibility or otherwise of carrying that line through the Native country, between Te Awamutu and Waitara, within a reasonable time, and to report to a general meeting of members as speedily as possible.