GREY OR THE EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2929, 19 March 1886, Page 2

GREY OR THE EAST AND WEST COAST RAILWAY.

In addressing a public meeting at Auckland, on the sth iust., Si,- George Grey is reported in the Hendd to have said in reference to the East and West Coast Railway : Somebody asked a question about tile East and West Coast Railway. I believe that is a line which ought to be made, and I believe that if you ailowecl tiie people to settle along that line in the best places, whore there are forests of great value and i icli mineral country I believe the line in a very short time will pay for itself, and I think that anything which unites two great populations, unites two great coasts—l think it is worth the while of Rew Zealand to undertake.—[Cheers.] What was the proposal I fought, against last year in regard to this proposed railway ? Why, they were going to give 2,250,000 acres of land to some contractors. We were to have bought the railway from them afterwards. A tract of land larger than Switzerland, I believe—[laughter]—larger than several European kingdoms, was to have been handed over to Loudon speculators, and I believe that the sum of £90,000 for SO many yea is was to have/ been given them afterwards .as subsidy. That plan, of curse, [ stood . gainst.— [Load cheers.]—Whilst T emioml for your lights in everj instance—whilst I do

that, you may rely upon it whenever I think other persons are claiming that which is of great advantage to New Zealand and to themselves, I will never stand in the way of their getting that advantage. —[Loud cheers.]