EAST COAST RAILWAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1714, 3 April 1906, Page 3

EAST COAST RAILWAY.

MEETING OF THE LOCAL LEAGUE

There was a large attendance at the moetiog of the East Coast Railway Leaguo, held yesle.'day afternoon. In the absonoe of the President (Mr J. Townley), Captain Tucker (County Chairman) presided. Tbe minutes of the previous meeting were read aDd oonfirmed The inward correspondence included a

telegram from the Hon. James Carroll, expressing pleasure at the considerable amount of aotivily being displayed by tbs Aboklacd League in regard to the East Coast line ; also telegrams from the Auokland and Bay of P.enty Leagues, heartily co-operating with the Gisborne League in regard to tbeir proposals, and asking for particulars as to the course it was intended to adopt in poshing forward tbe Gisborne-Aaok'and oonntoiion,

The Chairman emphasised the neoes

sity of pushing on the railway with all pos ible speed to the Motu. He did not thick it was any part of the League’s

work to interfere in regard to tbe question of routes, but they could, be thought, join in making representations to the Government for aa inoreased vote.

Mr Wbinray thought the beat course to adopt would be to endeavor to secure a visit from Ministers. When they once got them in tbe district they would be sure to obtain a favorable hearing. Mr J Peckover urged the neoeesity of taking stsps to secure tbe wo’k being oarriel on from the Auokland, as well as the Gisborne end. Mr W. Webb said that the Auokland people desired the assistance of the East Coa-t League, and they should give it. Mr J. W. Bright was formally impressed with the progress of the line at the Gisborne end, and was also pleased to see the great activity whioh was beiog displayed in Auokland and the Bay of Plenty. He tboDght the Auckland and Bay of Plenty Leagues should be asked to join in a deputation to Welliogton during tbe next cession of Parliament. Mr Dickson endorsed the remarks of Mr Bright. He thought that every effort should be made to co-operate with theAuckland and Bay of Plenty Leagues so as to seonre a speedy communication with Motu.

Mr G. Matthewson thought the objeotive should be Motu. After reaohing that plaoe they got into a debatable matter, there being questions of route to be discussed. The East Coast League could Dot diotate to Auckland whioh route they desired.

Mr Gaudiu said it was all the same to the Eaßt Coast League whatever route was deoided upon. Wbat they wanted was the speedy proseoution of the line to Motu and united action with the Auckland and Bay of Plenty Leagues. The great area of native and Crown lands through whioh the line would pass between To Karaka and Motu should be brought under notice.

Mr W. Webb urged the importance of the line from a colonial point of view. The Chairman moved, 11 That this League offers its heartiest support and co-operation with the Noithern League in their endeavor to hasten the progress of the railway north.” Mr B. M. Birrell seconded. Mr Bright moved as an amendment,

“ That this League views with the greater satirfaotion the activity displayed by the Railway Leagues of Auckland and the Bay oi Plenty, and that it will be glad to have tbe fullest information as to the views of these leagues, and is thereafter prepared to join these leagues in a deputa-

tion to Parliament to secure inoreased votes for the prosecution of railway works on lines to be suggested by the joint leagues.’’

Mr Gaudin seconded the amendment, whieh on being put to the meeting was carried by a large majority. The secretary brought up the question of fioanoe, and on the motion of Ms Wbinray the president (Mr J. Townley) and Mr Gaudin were appointed to make a oanvass for subscriptions for the purpose of forwarding the objects of the League. " A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings.