TRAM EXTENSION TO BULLS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 474, 31 August 1909, Page 3

TRAM EXTENSION TO BULLS.

PUBLIC MEETING AT

bulls

RESOLUTIONS CARRIED IN FAVOUR OF PROPOSAL.

(By Our Special Reporter). A public meeting convened by four ratepayers, to discuss the proposal to extend the tram line to Bulls, was held at Bulls yesterday. There was an attendance of over 50, being thoroughly representative of the prominent citizens. Mr J. K. Walker (Chairman of the Bulls Town Board) presided. A letter was read from Mr John Stevens, apologising for absence on account of being called away to attend the Land Court at Waugauui. He thoroughly supported the movement, and in • order to show his faith in the project, he offered to guarantee the total amount for interest required by the Bulls Town Board, for the next five years. By that time, he said, no doubt the line would be through, and were he in a position to push the matter, he would no doubt have the line authorised by that time. He went on to explain that the matter of the tram crossing the bridge would cause no inconvenience to the travelling public, and pointed out where it was proposed to take the line to Reefton, where, if there were any danger at all, there would be very much there than at Bulls.

At the request of the Chairman, Mr R. B. McKenzie, who is a ratepayer in both the Mauawalu and Rangitikei Counties, addressed the meeting at some length- He dealt exaustively with the question. Mr J. G. Wilson, Chairman of the Manawatu County Council, said that his Council had agreed to put the tram through to Bulls, provided the money was found. It was only a question of finance. Mr Fraser, councillor for the Rangitoto Riding of the Rangitikei County Council, said he was quite in favour of the tram being taken into Bulls, but he thought that the cost should not be levied on his riding only, as the upper part of the Rangitikei would get as much benefit as the lower, Mr McKenzie moved and Mr D. Coughlin seconded, that in the interests of this district it is desirable that Bulls should be connected by rail with the port of Foxton to the southward, and with the railway line at Marton or Greatford to the northward, and as a first step to this end the local authorities be urged to extend the tram into Bulls. The motion was carried with only two dissentient votes. It was further resolved on the motion of Mr L. Richards (Rangitikei County Council), seconded by Mr Bertram, that a copy of the foregoing resolution be sent to the local authorities and that Mr Fraser, councillor for the riding, be requested to support the movement.

The meeting which had been most enthusiastic throughout, then terminated.