The Fielding Star. TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1886. The Main Trunk Railway

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 25, 10 August 1886, Page 2

The Fielding Star. TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1886. The Main Trunk Railway

The fact of money for the above which was authorised to. be raised three years ago, having been permanently secured by the passing of the Lean Bill is a matter of congratulation. But the allotment of £100,000 out of it to purchase Native lands oa each side and in dose proximity to the route is a matter on which considerable diversity of opinion appears to have obtained in the House, especially among the North Island members. We do not question their right to hold opposing views, but it seems to us that as the Bill provides a proportion of two and a half per cent. of the lands thus acquired shall be set apart for special beneficial purposes, the objections are simply of a party nature. The land is to ie set apart and reserved in blouks, and at such times as the Governor shall direct, and subject, to the ratification of Parliament (both Houses), the Governor may grant the same in such blocks as he shall think fit as reserves for the endowment of such Education Boards and Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards and institutions within the North Island as he shall think fit; while the remainder of such lands shall constitute a railway reserve, the proceeds of whioh shall be applied, aa Partiament shall from time to time direct, in the construction of the said Main Trunk Railway, and of branoh tramways, railways, or Toads in connection therewith. And mot only does the Bill provide that the money realised from th« sale or lease of the land shall in a large measure be spent in making the line a most efficient Beans of communication for the whole North Island, but it alse provides a valuable endowment for the maintenance of educational and oharitable institutions in this part of the colony.