THE RAILWAY PETITION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 11, 30 September 1879, Page 2

THE RAILWAY PETITION.

The following is the texb of the petition to the Minister of Public Works, asking him to order the commencement of the Wellington-Foxton Railway at the Foxton end: — To the Hon. the Minister for Publi Works — Sir — The humble petition of the undersigned property-owners, settlers, and residents on the West Coast of the North Island, ahewoth — I. That your petitioners are aware that Parliament has by " The It ail ways Construction Act, 1878," (schedule) authorised the construction of a railway from Wellington to Foxton, to join on to the present Patea Manawatu line, and which railway has already been begun at the Wellington end. 11. Thut your petitioners, deeply con • vinced of the importance of the work, not only upon Colonial grounds, but especially to these districts, would humbly and earnestly ask that an immediate commencement may also be made of the line at the Foxton end. 111. In support of this request, your petitioners would respectfully submit the following reasons — 1. That such a work would afford em ployment to a large number of persons now suffering through the prevailing depression. 2. That by so doing a large area of available land lying between the .Manawatu River and Paikakariki would be opened up for immediate settlement. 3. That as this land is for the most part heavily-timbered, a very large traffic would begin immediately the line were opened, as the timber could be shipped at the Port of Foxton. *- 4. That your petitioners therefore firmly believe the line would yield a profitable return, even before through connection with Wellington was achieved. o. That the settlers of these districts have a claim upon the Government for assistance in the shape of employment. 6. That there is every probability that a considerable number of the workmen would acquire holdings near the railway. 7. That a beginning being made at this end as well as at Wellington, would enable the work of construction to be gone through more rapidly, thus bringing the West Coast districts into connection with Wellington at a much earlier date than could bo possible if the work were only pushed forward from Wellington. IV. For these and many other reasons

your petitioners would earnestly pray that the work mny bo commenced as soon as possihlo at thd Foxton end. And your petitioners, as in duty bound will ever pray.