East and West Coast Railway.

Manawatu Standard, Volume X, Issue 1445, 3 September 1885, Page 4

East and West Coast Railway.

(UNITED PKESS ASSOCIATION.) Nelson, Wednesday A monster meeting m connection with the formatiou ot a Nelson branch of the East and West Coast and Nelson Kailvvay League was held last night, when the several resolutions were carried amidst cheei'R, and great enthusiasm prevailed. The lirst resolution was that all present pledge themselves to join the League, aud uae their utmost endeavours to promote the construction of the railway. The second rcsui.uion was that, inasmuch as this railway was one of the trunk lines first authorised, it is the opinion of this meeting that the Nelson, West Coast, aud Canterbury members are justified m opposing all railway works expenditure throughout the Colony until the proposed vote for the East aud West Coast and Nelson Railway ia passed. The speakers (Messrs Haddow and Jackson) referred to the Acts authorising this railway and the numerous pledges given by Guverumeut, and spoko of the circumstances under which provincial liabilities were taken over by the General Government, when Nelson province, being free from debt, was to get a special vote. £90,000 was olfered, but this was not considered a fair share, and the result was that Nelson received nothing. The other resolution reminded those opposing the Government m their proposals that their action teuded to raise provincial feelings antagonistic to the unity of the Colony. A strong and represeutive Committee was elected, and a large number signed a pledge to further ihe objects of the League, and paid a shilling each as an entrance fee. Mr Pitt was m the chair, and amongst the speakers were the Bishop of Nelson, and several country residents.