WAINGARO.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 487, 14 September 1899, Page 2

WAINGARO.

Federation.—A representative meeting of the Waingaro settlers was held at the residence of Mr G. A. McMillan on Saturday, 9th inst, to take into consideration the vitally important question of federation with the Australian colonies. Mr Hewett, who has taken considerable interest and gone to a deal of trouble in the matter, was voted to the chair, and read a letter he had received from Mr J. Kennedy Brown, Hon. Secretary to the Auckland Branch of the Australasias Federation League, in which he said that the feeling in favour of federation was growing in the colony. A discussion on the various phases of the question ensued, and all were of opinion that New Zealand would commit a serious blunder by remaining outside of federation. The following resolution was moved by the Chairman in an able speech :. " That this meeting of Waingaro residents petition the Hon. the Premier of New Zealand to at once give Parliament an opportunity of considering and discussing the important question of federation with the Australian colonies, and that a vote of the colony should be taken on the question at the next general election." Seconded by Mr McDonald, who said federation appealed to both the sordid and the patriotic individual. On being put by the Chairman the resolution was carried without dissent. Mr McDonald moved that the Chairman be requested to forward the foregoing reso* lution to our member, Mr Lang, for presentation to the Hon. the Premier. Seconded by Mr Allen and carried unanimously. The petition seut out by the Auckland Branch of the Australasian Federation League, was then signed by all in the room, and it was determined to call another meeting if need arose, as time is short if the colony is to enter the federation as one of the original states. The apathy shown by larger centres waa much deplored.

Telephonic Communication.—Persistent efforts have been made to obtain telephonic communication with Ngaruawahia, the Government sion to the settlers" to connect of wire fences, which scheme had submitted to the authorities. They want the pouud of flesh in the shape of a guarantee of £52 per annum, interest at the rate of £lO per cent, on £520, which in the opinion of residents would more than cover cost of construction, and the Chairman was requested by the meeting to write to our member (Mr Lang) on the matter and to call a meeting to consider the question on receipt of his reply. A unanimous vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding brought the meeting to a close.

Prospects.—The genial weather of the past fortnight has caused great growth in the pastures, and stock of all kinds aro beginning to show the effects of au increase in feed.—(Own Correspondent),