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Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 345, 7 August 1878, Page 2

A Press Agency telegram published by us on the 31st July, from Wellington, stated that Mr Macandrew had promised a deputation that the railway from Wanganui to Taranaki should be completed in two years. The following further particulars published in the Taranaki Herald, will be read with interest, and shows that the combined action we were hoping for, has been taken. The deputation consisted of Taranaki and Wanganui members, including our own representative, Major Atkinson. The telegram states; 11 A deputation consisting of Messrs Fox and Bryce, Major Atkinson, and Messrs Kelly and Carrington, waited on the Minister for Public Works this (Tuesday) morning for the purpose of urging the Government to place a sum on the estimates to complete the gap in

the line of railway between Stratford and Waitotara, a distance of fifty-five miles; and that an assurance be given that it be opened for traffic as early as possible. Mr Kelly stated that the object the deputation had in view was, that as the line passed through n rich tract of agricultural land, and would become, immediately on opening, a payable line, it would enhance the price of Crown lands, and settle people on snch lands, and thus Indirectly benefit the Colony.

The other members of the deputation also urged the completion of the line, on similar grounds. Mr Macandrew said he recognised this line as one of those authorised by Parliament, and that, as far as he was concerned, would be in favour of taking such action as would result in its completion within two years, but as the question was for the consideration of the Cabinet, he could give no positive assurance that it would bo completed within that time, but he would do all he could to give effect to his own view of the case.

The deputation having expressed their satisfaction with this assurance, retired.”