GREAT DEMONSTRATION AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1387, 3 September 1885, Page 2

GREAT DEMONSTRATION AT CHRISTCHURCH.

A monster demonstration was held at Christchurch yesterday in favor of the West Coast Railway. At 2 p.m. a procession was formed in Cathedral square, consisting of representatives from all the Trades and Friendly Societies, Industrial Associations, members of eight County Councils, Road Boards, Councillor Ayers (the Acting Mayor,) and members of the City and Borough Councils. la all, about 2,000 persons took part in the parade. A half holiday was observed, and all along the line of route as the procession walked to Hagley Park the streets were crowded. In the Park a mass meeting was held, when the following resolutions were unanminously carried : "That, in the opinion of this great gathering, representing all the classes of the people of Canterbury, it is an injustice to the interests of Canterbury, Nelson, and Westland that the prosecution of a colonial work of the importance of the East and West Coast and Nelson Railways should be any longer delayed, and that while trusting that the sum of £150,000 placed upon the estimates will not be rejected by the House, the Legislature be earnestly invited to proceed with the development of a scheme for dealing finally and comprehensively with the construction of this line." " That this gathering desires to tender its best thanks to the Canterbury and other members of the House of Representatives who have advocated the construction of the East and West Coast and Nelson Railways, and trusts they will not relax their efforts until this important work has been commenced."