NORTH ISLAND TRUNK RAILWAY. Tenders For the First Section to be Called for Next Month.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 89, 14 February 1885, Page 3

NORTH ISLAND TRUNK RAILWAY. Tenders For the First Section to be Called for Next Month.

In the course of conversation with one of our reporters to-day, the Flon. Mr Ballance said he had now got the consent of the natives to the progress of the North It-land trunk railway and roads through the King Country. Tenders would therefoi'e be called for the first section of the line, extending southwards from Te Awarautu on the Ist of March next. The length of this section would be fifteen miles. Mr Ballance also expressed the intention ot the Government to cut up and settle the land along the railway route in small farm sections. He said he believed they would have the co-operation of the natives in that district. The natives are, he added, exceedingly friendly, and express nothing but the most friendly feelings towards the Government and himself personally, believing that he would act honestly respecting themselves and their lands.

In addressing a public meeting at Westport last Friday night, the Premier spoke on general politics, though Mr Menteith, M.H.R., detected a personal application in his remarks. Mr Menteith, in moving a vote of thanks, said he had been taken by surprise at the evident drift and tendency of the address. He had certainly not come prepared to meet anything like a direct attack on himself. He hinted, however, at the possibility of a dissolution at no distant date ,atid said the people would do well to be «n their guard. He was compelled to believe that the Premier's address was designed to undermine his (Mr Menteith's) influence with his constituents, and this he resented as being inappropriate to such an occasion. The Premier disclaimed any such intention, and treated lightly the suggestion as to the possibility of a dissolution. The prosent Ministry were not going to be got rid of so easily.