The Feilding Star. THURSDAY. MARCH 5, 1885. Our Big Neighbor

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 111, 5 March 1885, Page 2

The Feilding Star. THURSDAY. MARCH 5, 1885. Our Big Neighbor

Although we are occasionally at issue with Palmerston on small matters, they are, after all, of merely temporary interest, and like clouds on the summer sky, but tend to make tho day brighter ; yet we are compelled to admit that the Palmerstonians are a united and determined people when the interests of the Chicago of the West Coast are concerned. We have watched tho progress of the tovrn and its people for some years, and have observed that they never turned to the right hand nor to the left, but have steadily followed a persistont course towards the improvement of their town and suburbs. They have made considerable sacrifices of both time and money to that end, and the energies of their public men have been freely exerted for the benefit of their fellowcitizens, while the citizens on their part have most loyally supported them, gladly sinking all private differences where the good of the community as a whole was at stake. The result of a meeting of ratepayers held in Palmereton on Monday proves that confidence in their great future is gaining strength day by day. A proposal to borrow ! £50,000, to be expended — £20, 000 for water works and drainage, £10,000 to pay the present loan, £10,000 on new roads, and £10,000 general, was carried unanimously. In speaking to the question the Mayor, Mr J. Linton, said — "The town must reach ahead and discount the future. In a little time it would be the centre of a network of railways, and its geographical position gave it great advantages. He reminded his hearers that tenders were already called for the first sections of the Central railway, and that the Gorge railway survey would soon be finished and tenders called for in a few days, after which the portion of the line between the Gorge and Palmerston would be at once surveyed. This meant that hundreds and thousands of people would be passing through. The town which presented most inducements and had most conveniences would certainly attract those who were looking for homes. No one could find fault with the land in the locality." This rule, which so aptly applies to Palmerston, fits the Borough of Feilding as well. The test of the polling day has yet to be applied to the loan scheme, but we are strong in the faith that it will abide it, and come through the ordeal triumphantly. The failure which attended the previous almost similar proposals was owing to causes | which have since been removed. The only votes which will actually count against the present one will be those of absentees. As a public holiday will be proclaimed on the polling day, it is not too much to expect that every available living ratepayer will be brought to the polling booth to register sis vote in favor of a scheme which deserves the support of every one who has a real desire for the health of the inhabitants, as well as for the general business prosperity of the community at large.