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Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 344, 3 August 1878, Page 2

Tors member for the Town of New Plymouth, on arrival at Wellington, promptly took action in regard to the continuation of tiie railway to Stratford, as will be seen by tho following telegram, published in the Taranaki Herald of the 25th July : Wellington, July 25, noon.—At an interview I had with the Mem Mr Maeandrew,. Minister for Public Works, this morning, I urged on him the necessity of 'completing the line of railway from Inglewood to Stratford before next winter, to enable settlement to progress in that district. . .Mr Biaekctt was scut for, and was asked whether it could be done. Mr Blackett replied that if he was instructed to do it, he would have no great diilicnlty in completing the line by that time. Mr Macandrew then gave tiie necessary instruction to complete the line to Stratford by next winter, and authorised me to inform the peop c of Taranaki , that the engineer had been verbally instructed to get it done, and would, during the day, receive written instructions to tiie same effect. Having received definite instructions, I have no doubt that Mr Blackett will cany them nut within the time specified, and thus ensure the prosperity of Stratford as a township, and early communication between New Ptymouth and Nonnauhy for heavy traffic. The Minister deserves the thanks of the community for his prompt action in this important matter. —.l ho mas Kelly,

The result of Mr Kelly’s interview with Mr Macandivw is very satisfactory. The Governor’s speech, on opening Parliament, plainly indicated the intentions of Government as regards connecting Auckland hy rail with New Plymouth through the King country, as early as possible. Natives appear to bo daily becoming more favorably disposed towards Government, and difficulties are vanishing. Rewi’s influence is beginning to tell. Except actual completion offline, nothing conk! be more satisfactory than the assurance given by Mr Macanflrew to Mr Kelly, ami the orders given to Mr Blackett. The line to Stratford is to be completed by next winter. On the south we have the Waitolara contract in hand, work beingcarried on from both ends. The contractor is just now reported to be seeking the services of another hundred men, to enable him to push ahead faster. The Plains survey has been actually started. Government are fully aware of the wonderfully increased value which will be given to that land ny the near approach to completion of the through line. Hence we may shortly expect to Ilf'lli" tlxixt from tlio tritvl oixrvinys lv>!,uv'f-vi Waitotara and Wavorley, a route lias been decided upon. The engineering difficulties lessen from that point. From Stratford to Nonnunby all necessary data has long ago been furnished. It will soon be that but a short and inexpensive gap will remain to be put in hand, and that, in self-interest, to enable immediate returns to bo made, Government will use special efforts to complete the connection. It will bo seen that Hawera settlers are again moving in the matter. If they act with discretion, and make out a strong case, their efforts will no doubt help along the good work. What is necessary now, above all things, is to prove to Parliament that the line will be a piofitable one to the colony. That can be best done by furnishing facts and figures as to trade, land available for settlement, present values and probable increase, and the eagerness with which every description of land is being taken up, and the consequent largely increased revenue from land sales to bo expected. Government is well disposed, and will receive with satisfaction any new facts. We trust that the meeting called tor Saturday next will be well attended, and will keep mainly in view the necessity of furnishing such information as will carry conviction to the members in Parliament assembled. Mr Kelly lias done good service m promptly moving as to the line to Stratford. Major Atkinson will no doubt be ready to do similar service for Patea. In this matter Taranaki and Patea can work heartily together, and as Wanganui is equally interested in the progress of the lino at that end, the combined influence should net be without its effect on the Assembly, and to ours and our neighbors’ advantage.