The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 335, 3 July 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 1878.

+ A special meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday, the 24th June, to consider, amongst other matters, “ the extension of the railway from Inglewood to Norman by, a distance of twenty-eight miles, in order to connect the Waimate Plains and Patea with a port of call.” A number of Auckland capitalists have lately

been passing up and, down this coast. They have seen the country, and evidently having formed a good opinion of its capabilities, are desirous of securing the trade certain to follow the opening up of the country. The fact of river improvements having been commenced, and by and Auckland contractor, may have had something to do in attracting attention. The formation of a Steam Shipping Company in Patea/affords evidence that residents are certain there must be a paying trade. As the steamer about to be built, is chiefly intended for trading between here and Wellington, Auckland merchants cannot hope to have their trade increased thereby. The tendency will be to throw the whole trade of the district into Wellington hands. The readiest way, from an Auckland point ol view, to benefit by the trade of Patea, is to get the railway completed between here and New Plymouth, and as soon as. possible through the King country to Waikato. Once the line is completed between New Plymouth and Hawera, there is little doubt but what the bulk of trade thereabouts, including the hopedfor Waimate Plains trade, will be done with Auckland. ' That part of the County would then be placed within two, or at the furthest, three days from the northern capital Unless Auckland can influence Government to speedily complete the railway via the Mountain Road, it will not bo likely to command much of the trade along that route. In the course of a few months, the steamer “ Patea” will have commenced running, and Wellington merchants will not be slow to establish themselves in business relations with tradesmen. The opening of new blocks of land for settlement, fromNormanby to Waitotara, and the increased productiveness of already settled land, by reason of the stimulousdf a ready market for produce afforded by regular and direct trade with Wellington, will find more than enough work for the little steamer to do. And on completion of the Harbor contract, larger steamers will occasionally be required to pay a visit. The capabilities of tbis district are immense, and will be sufficient in the course of a few years to allow of a paying trade with both Auckland and Wellington. We are naturally anxious to see all parts of the district prosper, and are pleased that Auckland merchants should have seen it to be to their interest to use the weight of their influence with Government in urging the completion of the railway at the back of the Mountain. Patea settlers have frequently moved in this matter. Aided by Auckland, good should result. The New Plymouth people are even more anxious for the completion of the line. The Taranaki Herald, referring to this subject, says :—“ It is known that Fir George Grey is in favor of having the Taranaki line connected with Auckland xi- o i a x:, c iumtory,'rnererore it would only strengthen his and the Native Ministers hands if a deputation of leading men waited upon the Ministers before they leave the district, and in bringing the recommendation of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce before their notice, to urge on them the absolute necessity there is for the road to Patea being pushed forward to its completion with the utmost speed possible. In making the railway to the south of this district, the Government would be improving its own property, .whilst in the other parts of the colony which arc settled, the property of private individuals is alone benefitted. We hope the community will rouse themselves to action, and not allow a moment to be lost before bringing the matter prominently before - the notice of Government.” The action lately ■ taken by Patea was timely. The visits of Auckland capitalists (Messrs Morrin, Russell, and others) has not been without its good effects. The result of the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce in Auckland was, that a deputation was appointed to wait upon the Hon Mr Macandrew. It will be seen from extract printed below, that Mr Morrin was one of the deputation. We cannot too strongly urge upon the committee now preparing a statement for presentation to Government showing the capabilities of the district, to spare no effort to make out a good case. Of the result we shall then be hopeful. The following extract from an Auckland paper shows the steps taken to carry out the wishes of the members of the Chamber of Commerce:

On the same day a deputation of the Chamber, consisting of Messrs J. C. Firth, C, C. MacMillan, T. Morrin, D. B. Cruikshank, and L. D. Nathan, waited upon the Minister of Public Works, for the purpose of‘ urging upon the Government the adoption of several proposals conducive to the trade and commerce of the city and colony. Mr Firth laid before the Minister a series of resolutions which had been passed by the Chamber of Commerce recommending amongst them : —That, in. view of the avowed intention of the Government to continue the central railway line from Te Awamutu to Wellington, the attention* of the Government should be drawn to the advantages which would arise to the Government and the Taranaki and Patea settlers, as well as to the commerce of Auckland, by constructing -with as little delay as possible, the line in continuance of the Taranaki railway, from its present terminus, at Inglewood, to Normanby—a distance of about 28 miles—thus bringing within reach of a shipping port the fertile Plains of Waimate, thereby greatly enhancing their value, and affording the means of transit to the enterprising settlers of Taranaki, Patea, and the surrounding districts.

Mr Firth : With regard to the third resolution, the extension of railway communication through the heart of the colony,

and over those fertile plains, would not only settle a great many difficulties, in regard to the public policy of the country, but would bring in a very large revenue. Mr Macandrew: With respect to the third proposition, the Government take the greatest interest in everything that will expedite through , communication. All these meetings with the Maoris which are being held are supposed to lead up to that result. Sir George Grey believes that such a result may proceed from these meetings with the native people with the like object. As to making railways, I believe as a general rule the land through which it passes should make the railway, Mr Morrin : The whole of these Plains are excellent land. If surveyed they would fetch £8 an acre. There could be no doubt about their speedy settlement.