The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1898.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 342, 17 September 1898, Page 2

The Waikato Argus GEORGE EDGECUMBE, Proprietor. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1898.

There has been a meeting of the Auckland and Taranaki members of both Houses in reference to the Main Trunk Railway. Four resolutions were submitted by Sir Maurice O'Eorke :—(1). Points out faith, had not been kept with members, and that a large portion of the million loan had been diverted; (2) advocates the Stratford route ; (3) that Main Trunk Railway Loan Application Act be amended to allow of the line being continued from the tunnel to Stratford ; (4) that Government be requested to restore the money diverted. An amendment was moved much on the above lines with the addition that a metalled road be completed with the utmost despatch from the Auckland end of the railway and Taranaki. The meeting was adjourned till ten o'clock this morning. Common justice and the interests of the colony demand that this railway should be completed at as early a date as possible. This work would have been done long ago had it not been for the difference of opinion as to the route which should be followed ; the same obstacle still stands in the way, and' judging by the resolutions submitted to the meeting of members there appears little prospect of its removal. Except upon the broad lines that the railway should follow the route best calculated to add to settlement and yield the best return for outlay, it is a matter of small importance to the Waikato district which route the line follows. If a good metalled road were made from Stratford to the present terminus of the line, it would afford ample facilities for the exchange of produce between this and the Taranaki district. It is to bs hoped, therefore, that the Auckland members will unite to get this road constructed, and, by ceasing from agitation for the Stratford route, no longer afford Ministers an excuse to abstain from doing anything. The fight is really between the Auckland and Wellington merchants. One of the causes of delay has been the diversion of loan money for the purchase of native lands; steps should be immediately taken to realise on this property, and it would, in our opinion, be of more advantage to Auckland city if this lund were settled, than even would be the completion of the railway.