MAJOR ATKINSON’S PROMISES.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 523, 22 May 1880, Page 2

MAJOR ATKINSON’S PROMISES.

INDIGNATION MEETING AT NELSON. c. The Colonial Treasurer sent the following letter to Mr Pitt, M.H.R., in reference to a stoppage of railway works at Nelson : “ In reference to the conversation I had with you last night, I, as Treasurer, hare carefully considered the position, and have submitted the matter to my colleagues. Wc all fully admit the claims of Nelson to a fair share in the Public Works expenditure. In consequence, however, of the financial position of the colony, as it has developed itself during the last two months, and especially to the very serious falling off in the Customs and other revenue, wc do not feel justified in entering into new liabilities till we see our way of meeting them, which is not at all clear at present. .We, therefore, feel compelled not to accept fresh contracts until we see how the deficiency on the Slat March last, amounting to upwards of a million, can be * provided for. At present, as authorised by Parliament, this has been done temporarily; in a great measure by advances on Treasury bills out of the funds which would otherwise have been available, and which will have to be replaced. “ H. A. Atkinson.” An indignation meeting was thereupon held in Nelson. Strong speeches were made, and a feeble attempt to soften the anger of the electors had no success, for the insisted tbat a distinct pro-t mise was now as distinctly cancelled. The ■ following resolution was .carried by a large majority : “ That this meeting hereby expresses its strong disapprobation of the: action of the Government, in reference to the Nelson and Greymouth Kailway, in declining to accept , tenders which are within the estimate made ’ by the Government Engineers, especially after the pledges given to our Representatives.” ‘ ■'