RAILWAY EXTENSION.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 120, 12 February 1879, Page 2

RAILWAY EXTENSION.

lU7BLIC MEETING AT TIfIIUJCA. A public meeting was held in the Volunteer Hall last evening to consider the advisability of urging on the Gcnurnmcnt the expediency of commencing the construction of the proposed Oxford-Temuka railway without delay. The meeting was largely attended, at least 200 persons being present. Mr Wilson, the convener of the meeting, occupied the chair. On the platform were also Messrs "Wakefield, M.H.IL, Hayhnrst, and Gray, Mr Wilson road the requisition in answer to which the meeting had been called. He then referred to the circumstances which led to the movement being initiated. These were the fact Unit several other railway seel ions had been promised to bo constructed apparently in answer to the request of residents in the neighborhood of each, and that, surveys hud been made of a route or routes from Temuku towards Oxford showing that Government had some intention of making a line in this direction. It was considered that if the people here manifested their desire that this line, should be made in the same manner as others had done, the same result would probably follow. There was good ground to suppose that an expression of that desire wuuld meet with attention, for Mr Macandrew had already promised to send up Mr iilair to examine the proposed route. Railways were being extended in the north, and in the south, and it was only fair that this district should also receive attention. There was a considerable quantity of land to the west ward still unsold which the railway now to be asked for would open up. Mr Gray moved the first resolution, which van as follows ; —“ That this meeting is of opinion that the Minister of Public Works ho respectfully requested to take the necessary steps to at once proceed with the construction of that portion of the Oxford-Temuka Railway commencing at its southern end, this meeting believing that this would be a great: means for advancing the progress of the district.” In moving this resolution Mr Gray pointed out the advantages that would bo derived from the coustruccion of the line. Land would be opened up, and the mineral wealth of the lull country —the coal and lime which were known to exist there—would become accessible. He had no doubt their representations would be listened to ami their request immediately complied with. Mr ILnhurst, in seconding the motion, argued that as every settler perforce contributes to the construction of the railways of the colony, each one has a right to claim an amount of benefit from railway construction in proportion to his contribution, in other words, according to his possessions. Therefore the settlement of the present waste lands is of but secondary importance compared with facilitating the working of lands already taken up. It seemed to have been accepted as a principle by Government that a local work should not bo undertaken unless the people of the locality agitated for it, and therefore the calling of this meeting was a right and proper step, for the district had a perfect right to claim the construction of the railway.

Air Wakefield patiently and f idly explained the history of the proposed lino, and showed its present position. L 15,000 was voted lastsession for expenditure on the Oxford-To-muka line, and the Government could not spend more upon it during this year, even if they desired to do so. That sum would only be sufficient to construct three or four miles of railway, but it would bo sufficient for the survey of the whole line. He would heartily support the resolution, as it would probably have the effect of getting the survey made this year. Next- year large sums would he asked for to make railways, and it would he a great advantage to have surveys and reports so far advanced that a definite statement could he made of what sums would be required for construction. It was no use expecting to get the railway at once, but the surrev might bo made, and the district had a perfect right to ask that it should be commenced at this point as well as at the north. The resolution, if carried, would no doubt have the effect required, and it should have his support in every way.

Mr Acton drew attention to two important questions. The line proposed would cost about half a million ; where was the money to come from ? and it was said that the line would case the present one ; who would go to Christchurch by so circuitous a route as this line would offer ? He doubted whether a sufficient sum would be realised from the sale of waste lands opened up to construct the lino (Cheers.) Mr Wakefield replied to Mr Acton’s remarks, answering his questions to the satisfaction of the meeting. The lands opened up would be sold by auction, and would realise twice as much as was required, and the line would be used just so much as would be found convenient. If no more difficulty should be met with in providing funds for construction than would be the case hero the country would be fortunate indeed.

The resolution being put to the mooting was carried with loud- applause. Mr Hayhursfc ’then proposed—“ That a petition he prepared and circulat ed for signature, and forwarded to the Minister for Public Works, praying that the survey of the Oxford-Tcinuka railway from Temuka to the north side of the Rangitata bridge may he proceeded with at once.” In urging that the resolution should be passed, Mr Hayluirst said that while there appeared to be some doubt about a choice of routes at the other end, there was no such doubt here. The people of Temuka were considerably interested in this question. At present the only benefit they derived from the railway system was the pleasure of hearing the whiule of trains going past fcha place. They might hope t-> rain material benefit from the

Mr Russell seconded the motion. Hr Gray contended that a petition was unnecessary. If the resolution were forwarded to the proper quarter it would effect all that could be expected from a petition. Mr W arcing proposed ns an amendment —That a copy of the foregoing resolution be forwarded by the Chairman of this meeting to the Minister for Public Works, and that lie be requested to give the matter his earliest consideration.” air Wakefield showed that a petition would be more serviceable, because the grounds on which their application was based could be plainly but briefly expressed therein. A mere resolution would run the risk of being shelved after its receipt had been acknowledged. Mr Wareing, adopting Mr Wakefield’s view of the case, here withdrew his amendment. Mr Mcndelson, while accepting generally the resolution before JJ the meeting, thought that the words which suggested that the works should be commenced at a particular point should be struck out. Anything like dictation should be avoided, Mr Hayhurst’s motion being put to the meeting was carried, Mr (fray only dissenting. Mr Gray then moved, and Mr Storey seconded, “ That a copy of the resolution and the memorial be forwarded to the Minister for Public Works by the Chairman of this meeting.” This was carried nem. con. Air Wilson proposed a vote of thanks to Air Wakefield for attending the meeting. Carried by acclamation. Air Wakefield having returned thanks, a vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings, which had been of the most earnest and orderly character from first to last. rriiLlC MEETING AT OXi'OKU. On Friday last a public meeting was held at Oxford, for the pui’pose of urging upon the authorities the necessity of at once extending the Oxford railway to Sliefllld. About forty persons were present, and the Chairman of the Road Board occupied the chair. A letter was read from the M.11.R. for the district (Air J. E. Brown) recommending that the meeting should not be held at present. The Chairman advocated the postponement of the meeting till something definite was known, rather than passing resolutions and harrassing the Ministry, when they are now working in the interests of the public. Some speakers urged that a deputation should be appointed to wait uponjAlr Afacaudrew, who would be in Christchurch at an early date. Others urged that if resolutions were passed the hands of such a deputation would bo much strengthened- After some discussion a deputation consisting of three members of the Road Board was appointed to wait upon Mr Macandrew. Speakers said it was high time that something was done to extend the railway. It could bo proved that there was no lino in Canterbury carrying more tonnage than the Oxford line, as he learnt that in the dullest season there arc not less than 60 tons a day leaving the West Oxford station. It was everyone’s duty to see that they got justice, and that they would not get if the railway was not commenced. The following resolution was carried by a small majority ; —“That it be a recommendation from this meeting that tenders be called for the Oxford and Sheffield railway extension as soon as practicable.” in reply to objections that the action now taken or proposed would prove fruitless it. was urged that the Sheffield and Amber ley extensions had been obtained by agitations similar to the present one or by political influence. One speaker said that the inhabitants of the district must not bo looked upon as beggars ; they bad a just claim to the railway, and they could go and ask why the delay hud been caused. The Chairman strongly recommended that nothing should be said about the routes. They wanted the railway, and they could decide upon the route when they know they were sure of getting that.