WAIKATO NATIVES AND THE TRUNK RAILWAY.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 86, 24 January 1885, Page 3

WAIKATO NATIVES AND THE TRUNK RAILWAY.

Wellington, January 21. As I informed you several clays ago, tho Native Minister's intended visit to tho Waikato is to consult with Wahanui, Taonui, and llewi in connection with railway mattors. Further, I may say it is in fulfilment of a pledge given by his predecessor, Mr Bryce, when they gave their consent to preliminary surveys being made of the railway line. This was to the effect that the Government would nob do anything more than make the surveys without further consultation with them, The present Government feel that this promise is binding on them, and that if they disregarded it the Ngatimaniapoto chiefs would have cause to feel aggrieved, and might possibly even obstruct the progress of the work. Mr Ballance is accordingly going to see them in order to discuss the subject fully with them, and obtain their assent to the actual commencement of the work qf construction, and, it possible, secure, their active aid in pushing the work on. 1 Ho difficulty is anticipated in obtaining their assent, as they have already, expressed I themselves generally favourable to the j making of the railway.

Hon. Mr Ballance warmly approves of the annexation schemes of the Government, but six months ago, when as plain Mr ; Jsal--lance he sought the suuragea 6^', the electors, he ridiculed the $oa. ,ancl asked— " What does New ' $3eala.nd want with the Islands?" ' ' ( ' ( , ' " \ " Black, undressed kids havo oome into style again." We believe this fashion has never gone out of style in some parts of the King Country.