Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 15, l906. OUR NEEDS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3624, 15 March 1906, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 1906. OUR NEEDS.

So much has been said of our needs in these columns that it was only to be expected a deputation should wait on the Premier on Tuesday last with reference to same. Hence, the Foxton Chamber of Commerce had a party told off to interview the Premier with reference to urgent matters. Mr John Stevens introduced the party, and explained their objects. Although there was nothing definite or conclusive about the Prime Minister’s reply, still we have the satisfaction of knowing that our wants have been brought before him. In reply to the request for au extension of the wharf for another 300 feet, so as to allow at least another steamer accommodation, the Premier expressed pleasure at hearing of the increase of Foxtou’s trade, and promised to bring the matter before the Minister concerned. In reply to the request made that Foxton should be made a grading port for hemp, and that a shed would be erected by private enterprise if the Government would appoint a grader, the Premier said the Minister tor Agriculture would have to deal with the request for a gradingstation. Pie promised to lay the matter before his colleagues. He would personally do everything in the best interests of the trade. Although much solid argument was brought to bear by Mr Stevens, M.H.R.,and other speakers, the Premier did not hold out any hops of the ,£SOOO or ,£6OOO asked for being voted towards the construction of the Beach railway. It was quite possible, however, to carry it out as a private tramway, and the Government would be willing to help those who helped themselves. If it was a good investment for the Government it would be a good one for private enterprise. Mr Stevens thanked the Premier for receiving the deputation, who, if they had not received any definite promise, had ventilated urgent needs in the right quarter. We feel we will have to keep persevering to attain our ends, and it is to be hoped our member will see to the allocation of public money towards some of the requirements aimed at.