The Manawatu Times. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1878.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 8, 20 November 1878, Page 2

The Manawatu Times. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1878.

Wb think it is about time we said something with regard to the promised extra train between Palraerston and Foxton. When the present time-table came into existence we pointed out m no unmeasured terms the gross injustice which was being done to Foxton, and our strictures had the effect of rousing the people of that township to an earnest protest against the new arrangement. The late County Chairman, — to whom we must accord considerable credit for his zeal m the matter — addressed a strong letter of remonstrance to the Commissioner, and the following is the reply received from Mr Johnston, who interviewed that gentleman, upon the subject : — " Mr Lawson assures me that he will send another engine to Foxton as soon as the line is opened to Featherston — say, by the end of October, and then trains will run between Foxton and Palmerston, as between Wanganui and Palmerston. It is Mr Lawson's intention to visit the district shortly, when he will be glad to meet the committee." It is worthy of noting that that letter was written on the 20lh of September, — just two month ago — and although the alteration was to have come into efffct at the end of last month, we appear as far from the concession as ever. Then, again, the Commissioner was to have paid the district. a visit and confer with the committee. Why has he not done so ? Or why has it allowed both matters to lapse without one word of remonstrance ? Mr Lawson might possibly have excused himself for his breach of faith by pleading press of business m connection with the opening of the Featherston line, bnt he can do go no longer, and that; he

lias shirked his promised visit, and not attended to the requirements of this end of. the line is alone owing to the extreme apathy of the people of Poxton, and a cessation of agitation on the matter. Of course the whirl and excitement of the election just, passed, may have had a great deal to do with letting this important matter go to the wall, but now that that has been disposed of, it is to be hoped the committee m Foxton will take energetic action, so that if the concession be not at once granted, the blame cannot be laid at their doors.