THE EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY DEMONSTRATION AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3412, 3 September 1885, Page 3

THE EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY DEMONSTRATION AT CHRISTCHURCH.

(By Telegraph.) CnuiSTcnuncn, Sept. 2. A monslcr open-air demonstration was held here to-day m favor of the East and West Coast and Nelson Railway. It was the largest gathering that has ever taken place m this city. A procession composed of representatives from tho various trades and Friendly Societies, members of the City and Borough Councils, County Council, Road Boards, Industrial Association, and other public bodies, was marshalled m Cathedral Square nt 2 p.m., thence they morehed through the City to Hagley Park. The procession wos quite a mile m length, ondthestreetswerecrowded all olongthelineof routo. At the Park a mass meeting was held, attended by quito 20,000 persons of both sexes. Mr A. Ayers, the acting Mayor, presided. Mr C. C. Bowen proposed the firat resolution ns follows : — " That m the opinion of this great gathering representing all classes of the peoplo of Canterbury, it is an injustice to the interests of Canterbury, Westland und Nelson, that the prosecution of a colonial work of tbe importance of the East and West Coast and Nelson Railway should bo any longer delayed, and that while trusting tliatthe sum of £150,000 placed upon the Estimates will not be rejected by the House, tho Legislature be earnestly invited to proceed with the development of a schemo 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 — " Tliat this gathering desires to tender its best thanks to the 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 tliey will not relax their efforts until this important work bas been commenced." Dr J. D. Fronkish seconded the motion which, liko tho preceding one, was enthusiastically received and adopted. Though the assemblage was so largo, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, tho proceedings wero most orderly throughout, not a single accident or case of disorderly conduct occurring to mar the success of tho gathering.