The Daily News. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1900. THE LATE PUBLIC MEETING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 182, 20 July 1900, Page 2

The Daily News. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1900. THE LATE PUBLIC MEETING.

Those who were instrumental in cilling the public meeting held on Wednesday evening must feel very much gratified with the response thereto. The meeting was an unqualified success, both in the matter of attendance and (the broad-minded views expressed. The representative character of the meeting was very cheering, and the unanimity shown was still more so, and augurs well for the future of Taranaki. Almost every leading business man in New Plymouth was present, while thoroughlyrepresentativemenattended who were directly interested in the prosecution of the three great main roads of Eastern Taranaki. Nothing could be more pleasing than the manner in which each and every one of these gentlemen agreed to work hand-in-hand for the general welfare of Taranaki. We doubio if ever a more satis factory meeting was held in any part of Taranaki, because there was an entire absence of that selfishness which so often mars public meetings where interests are not identical, The unity and desire to forward the whole interests of Taranaki should give very great weight to the resolutions, and we feel satisfied that the decision arrived at will be pregnant with good. The Committee appointed is an excellent one, whose first duty will be to secure that all parts of the district Bhall work together in bringing pressure to bear on the Government. So far meetings have been held in other centres and delegates appointed to urge the claim of their particular road or locality. New Plymouth has, very properly, got outside such a narrow view, and proposes to urge the claims of each of the three main roads, the construction of which are so essential to the prosperous settlement of the country through which each of them run, and which is so important to the welfare of the port of New Plymouth. For each locality to send delegates to Wellington would be a costly and clumsy procedure, and would not carry the same weight as a deputation representing united Taranaki. At Stratford a monster petition is being circulated, which it is intended the delegates shall take to Wellington with them. This course should be followed throughout the district, and three or four delegates sent to Wellington in charge of them, with instructions to insist on each and every one of these important roads receiving the attention they demand. Mr. tack very rightly raised the question of expense, and it would be a good idea if the mayors of New Plymouth and Stratford, and the chairmen of the town boards at Waitara and Inglewood, were to open subscription lists for the purpose of payiDg the expenses of the delegates without delay. If the matter is to be carried through successfully the delegates will require to stay a few days at the seat of Government educating members of the House, so that any proposal submitted to them may be properly supported. It is not right to expect such men as are required to represent the district in such an important matter as this can or will pay their own expenses. If they give their time, which in many leases is very valuable, it is really more than people have a right to expect.