A RAILWAY THROUGH THE MOKAU COUNTRY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 4069, 16 June 1882, Page 2

A RAILWAY THROUGH THE MOKAU COUNTRY.

The following important and interesting communication from Mr. Donkin, who has been for a considerable time in the Mokau District, and knows the country there thoroughly, will be read with much interest :—: —

Sir, — Having been so much in the bush in the Mokau District of late, I was not aware of the many rash statements published re the possibility of making a Railway through that part of this Island. I shall trouble you with my opinion upon tho matter as I have had my attention directed towards paragraphs, leading articles, &c, in various newspapers, where the writers show a lamentable prejudice and entire want of knowledge of that much abused part of the Colony. Some of them go bo far as to say most positively that it is the most rugged, inaccessible, and mountainous country in New Zealand, and that no line of Railway could be constructed through it excepting at ruinous cost to the Colony, &c, &c,

Now I beg to inform you ihat for tho last two and a-half years I have been repeatedly through and through the country, from the Mountain Road on the South, to the Marakopa River in the North, Auckland Province, and from twenty-five to thirtyfive miles inland — and I am thoroughly acquainted with the country, especially the Mokau district. I examined the country for minerals, and also with a view to roads and railways — anil although the country is broken it is not more so than many other parts of the Colony. Thm I know from experience, having explored great part of both Islands. That a favourable route can be found is a fact that cannot be denied, and that a line of railway can be constructed through the Mokau country at a fair average cost I have no doubt.

There is more than one route to choose from, but the best can only be determined after actual survey and a careful consideration of all the surrounding circumstances for tnd against any particular route. I say further that a line can be found that wiil open up an extensive and valuable mineral district, nnd nlso I assert, without fear of contradiction, that hundreds of thousands of acres of good land will be tapped by Hiich a railway. And lam firmly of opinion that

to push on to speedy completion a railway through this district would be one of the most fortunate events tbat could happen to this island. In conclusion, I may state for the information of those of your readers unacquainted with me, and to show that my opinion (I hope) is worth something upon the snbject, that I am a Civil Engineer, and brought up on the railways in England, and have surveyed and superintended the construction of railways in the Colonies, especially in New South Wales, where I surveyed lines over much more difficult country than the llokau District. Having had over thirty years' experience I hope I may be excused for speaking so decided ly upon the above su.bject.--I am, &c, It. Donkin, Civil Engineer, White Cliffs, June 14, 1882. MEETING OF CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF THOMAS LEEDOM. A meeting of creditors in the estate of Thomas Leedom, brewer, of Waitnra, was held to-day, at the Court-house. Mr. N. King occupied the chair. Mr. Samuel, solicitor for the debtor, explained that some weeks ago Mr. Leedom was laid up with illness, and, having gome bills to meet, asked his creditors to give him time to meet his engagements. They readily consented to this, but Mr. Leedom's illness continuing, .and a brewer with whom he was connected in business, actinsr in a manner which Mr. Leedom considered likely to involve him and his estate in much loss, Mr. Leedom considered it desirable, for the protection of his creditors, that he should file a declaration of insolvency. For the same reason it was necessary that some person should be appointed to take care of the interest of the creditors, and application was made by him (Mr. S.) to the Court, and an order obtained appointing Mr. J. C. Davies to act for that purpose until the creditors' trustee was appointed. A report was read by the trustee to tha effect that the assets amounted to £1181 4s. 4d. and the liabilities to £1060 0s 2d. The report stated that a large amount of the assets depended upon the possibility of turning come native land interests to account, which Mr. Davies considered extremely doubtful. A proposal was made by Mr. T. Bayly (in the interest of Mr. Leedom) to pay a composition to the creditors of 10s. in the £, by promissory notes at three months. ' The creditors expressed themselves to the effect that they would not accept a composition unless a cash composition of 10s. in the £ nett was offered. It was resolved that the meeting adjourn until 10 a.m. to-morrow, and that Mr. Bayly should be requested to make an offer to the meeting in writing. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.