DEPUTATION FROM MANAWATU TO MINISTERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5328, 25 April 1878, Page 2

DEPUTATION FROM MANAWATU TO MINISTERS.

A deputation of gentlemen from Palmerston North, consisting of the Mayor, Mr. G. M. Snelson, Mr. Linton, and the member for the district, Mr. W. W. Johnston, waited upon the Ministry, by appointment, yesterday forenoon, to advocate the most pressing claims of the district. Mr. Johnston acted as spokesman. The first subject introduced was the appointment of an engineer to report upon the best route to be adopted for the continuance of the ■Hutt-Waikanae railway through the Manawatu County, and to decide where the junction should be made with the existing railway there. In reply to the deputation, the Premier stated that' an engineer would be sent to the district to report and prepare estimates of the cost of the proposed line, to be submitted to Parliament. The second topic introduced was the subject of _ the formation of roads in the district of Fitzherbert. The deputation pointed out that there was not : a single yard of road made in this important district ; that there was a large amount of agricultural land unsurveyed and unsold in the hands of the Go*

vemment, and in order to make this available for 1 settlement, it was absolutely necessary that roads should be made; and that the local governing bodies for want of means were powerless to assist. They .also reminded the Minister for Pubiio Works that this matter had been favorably considered by the Hon. Mr. Larnach, who promised to place a sum of £IOOO on the Estimates for this purpose, but by accident it had been overlooked. The Hon. Mr.Macandrew considered the claim deserving the attention of the Ministry, but regretted their inability from want of money to do anything at the present time. The question of the special settlement at Taonul was then brought under the notice of the Minister of Lands, who was referred to the resolutionpassed by tlm provincial Waste Lands Board, that road lines and drains should he cut in hush districts before offering the land for selection. The Hon. Mr. Ballanee said that he attached great importance to the proposition, and considered it a question affecting the whole of the proposed bush settlements of the colony, and that Parliament next session would be asked to Vote special sums to carry out this principle. The subject of the inland road from Ofcaki to Foxton was named, and for which a vote was passed last session. The Minister for Lauds replied that the County Council had that mail been written to, asking them to undertake the work, and that the Government would honor their cheques to the extent of half the vote passed. The deputation expressed’ their thanks to Ministers for the courtesy and attention shown them, and then withdrew.