The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 1882. THE NORTH ISLAND RAILWAY.

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 19, 19 August 1882, Page 2

The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 1882. THE NORTH ISLAND RAILWAY.

. -» Major Atkinson has, for a time, i practically shelved the project for completing the Auckland- Wellington Railway. He has moved in the House that the million loan " should not be raised until the line was surveyed and approved by Parliament." This resolution was carried by 55 to 15» Doubtless a number of the Opposition were glad of an opportunity of voting for a resolution that fitted so exactly with tbeir " views," and would congratulate themse yes on their astuteness in frustrating what appared to be a pet object of the Government. We believe Major Atkinson is perfectly well aware of the necessity that exists for the construction of this line, of railway, and that before long the Government will endeavor to do justice to the North Island in the matter of railway com munication. As soon as the season is siifficier.t.y well advanced, survey parlies will be despatched from various points to survey and report upon the several routes that have been suggested. In fact, it is not im probable that the intended line is already decided upon. Be this as it may, the delay in definitely deciding on what route should be adopter! will afford the Manawatu district a golden opportunity for pressing on the notice of tbe powers that be, its claims for consideration, and showing at the same time the many advantages that will accrue, bo:h to the colony and the district, by the adoption of a route through the centre of the island By making the junction with tbe Wellington - Wanganui Railway at or near Feilding, two of the chief advantages of this line would be attained—the opening up of the Murimutu Plains, and the development of the resources of the immense forest lands of the Kiwitei district. We have already, in these Cdlumns, re-: ferred to the fact that a very large revenue would accrue from *uch a line being constructed, ptod \itt is almost needless ior us to further refer to that aspect of the question. Ihe one tbipg now; needed is uiianiipity of feeling and joint action on the part of the settlers and their representatives in Parliament. We adfe.it ' there 1 are certain difficulties in the way, yet we are hopeful of their being easily Burroou-.ted. Finally, we must nut f_rg-6 that- con ti hien- Agitation 1 fean accomplish a great deal towards getting benefits conferred 8 H trict as a favour, which we may never receive as our just aud indisputable right. u_rvn "• i a