The Manawatu Standard PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1883. THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 133, 12 May 1883, Page 2

Manawatu Standard PUBLISHED DAILY.) SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1883. THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

The people on this coast should be on the alert while there is anything to be gained by agitation, to bring pressure to bear to have the connection of the proposed Auckla-d'railway made with the existing line. The Wanganni Herald and Wellington morning paper have each recently had articles on the subject, pointing out how essential it is to. have the line taken by a- central route. From the Wanganui Herald of Thursday we learn that the central route haß now been examined by three surveyors. A very fair route has been found inland of FeildiDg, but it comes out at Bangitikei. Mr Annabel has traversed a ronte,_wbich was first pointed out by the late James Hogg, by the Valley of the Turakina River.; Mr Cicely has discovered a route from Marion superior to Mr Murray's, and of which, we believe, the surveyor^speaks very highly. There is no grade by this line worse than lin 50. It is now certain that the main line of railway through the centre of the Island has no engineering difficulties m its way, and must prevail over the Beach op Mokau route, unless defeated by a political combination. This political combination is just what the people have to fear and should endeavour to guard against. A political combination is a very dangerous element. It works its points by subtle trickery, and when too late the discovery is made that the diversion that has been achieved is fatal to the interests of ac immense area of country. Our Wanganui contemporary also learns that it is proposed to call a public meeting there shortly, to consider the subject of the proposed central railway, as affecting the interests ot Wanganui, when statistics as to the whole question will be brought forward, and the matter discussed. We hear that several prominent citizns will be the promoters m tbt affair. A similar agitation should take place right along the West. Coast, m every district, and the representatives of the people should be pledged to support a route through the interior to connect with the existing: line. In this connection we make the following additional extract from the same source as those already quoted : — " Mr Bursthouse's survey party are new investigating thn topography of the country inland of Stratford, with t» view to ascertaining its practicability for the formation of the through railway from Auckland, as compared with that of the other rival routes. We understand that the Hon. Mr Bryce has expressed a private opinion m favor of a route between the Wangaehu and Kangitikei river.°, though he has declined to express the view of the Government on the matter." Speaking personally, we may say that we do not care two straws where the point of connection is between this and Wanganui, We are not fighting for localities, but m support of abroad principle and the momentous interests at stake. Our contention is that the Mokau route would be the greatest blunder it would be possible to perpetrate — a , blunder little short of criminal i a its consequences. We have too many coast- fringing lines of railway ; too many political combination jobs j too many atrocious and iniquitous

bunglea already.; let Us have tae main trunk line — the most important work m the North Island, if not m the Colony, where common sense, common reason » and common honesty would suggest, viz., through the heart of the country. We should be glad to see an agitnti m Manawatu to co-operate with th it m Waneranai to circumvent any ri~pcipien r . schemes of political combinations.