Liberal Association.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 34, 9 February 1901, Page 3

Liberal Association.

A meeting of the Cook County Liberal Association was held last night. There was a good attendance, the President (Mr E. P. Joyce) being in the chair. Formal business was dealt with, and then Mr R. M. Birred brought up the subject of the timber resources of the Motu. He referred to the statements made by Mr Prouse, as reported in a Times interview. Hitherto, though this question of timber had been brought before them time after time, there was diversified opinion as to the quantity and quality ; but now that they had tho report of Mr Prouse to go upon, they should take a step further. It was terrible to think that two million pounds worth of timber was being destroyed. He moved that a'strong representation bo made to tho Government, asking that an expert be sent to give an authoritative and exhaustive report as to the timber in tho Motu. It was in matters of this sort that they could further tho interests of tho district and colony. Mr Dickson seconded the motion, saying that he had come prepared to propose such a motion. He suggested that the motion be extended so that telegrams should be sent to the Ministers of Lands and Railways, and to the Premier and Mr Carroll —a suggestion that was at once adopted by Mr Birrell. Messrs Cogar and Dower spoke in favor of the motion, the former suggesting that the Government should he asked to state definitely when it could be expected that the railway would reach the Motu. Mr Ross pointed out' that it -would be necessary to be careful not to affect the interests of settlers who had to get their ground cleared for stock. Mrs Fox and the President spoke in support of the motion, which'was carried unanimously.