THE PREMIER AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2438, 28 January 1882, Page 4

THE PREMIER AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

NEW PLYMOUTH, January 27.

A special and influential deputation waned on the Premier this afternoon, whou the Mayor congratulated the Government on the able way they settled the Parihaka difficulty. They had waited on him, however, concerning the opening -of the railway between New Plymouth and Auckland. Mr Standish urged that the present time was most favorable for having the survey done, and the land dealt with between Mokan and Alexandra. It would also have the effect of opening up rich country. It was also believed that the present time was the most favorable, on account of the state of the Native mind, both in Taranaki and in Auckland, as the Natives had an evident desire to open np the country. The Hon. Mr Hall thanked them for the manner they had referred to the action of the Government on the West Coast, and assured the deputation that it was a time of groat anxiety, and although it miaht be sanguine to say that the Native difficulty had been settled, ha did not think it woulJ bo beyond the real truth to say it was a real settlement of the difficulty, unless disturbance was brought about by their indiscretion or bad judgment. In regard to the opening up of railways connecting the north and south parts of this island, the deputation were of course aware that funds were not in hand at present for a work of -such magnitude; but he could state it was a work the importance of which the Government were impressed with. The completion of the arterial railway lines was_ an object which the Government would do their utmost to promote, and it was an object for which the colony would be quite justified in going into the market to raise another loan when the conditions had been fulfilled with regard to raising of last loan. He -thought the deputation would recognise that it was his duty to speak with considerable amount of reserve, as his statements would be read by everyone, and it might have the effect of post, poning the time when they could actually undertake such works. He was fully impressed with the importance of the work the deputation urged to be done, and there was none to which the attention of Government and the Minister of Public "Works has been more steadily directed ; but be thought it to be premature, as to nnduly urge a work of the kind would have the f-ffeot cf rendering the carrying it out very difficult, and possibly create another Native difficulty. Therefore it was the duty of the Government to bo very discreet in pushing on the work. They might depend upon the Ministry doing their best to promote it. Mr Standish urged that the present time was moat favorable, and instead of delaying the work it should be gone on with. The good effect on the Native mind produced by recent events might go off unless immediate action were taken. The Hon. Mr Hall said that was quite true, but it was obvious at present that there was great difficulty to be apprehended with regard to the Natives if the matter was nnduly pressed. The Premier leaves for Auckland by the mail steamer on Monday.