THAMES-WAIKATO RAILWAY EXTENSION.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1202, 11 March 1880, Page 2

THAMES-WAIKATO RAILWAY EXTENSION.

PUBLIC! MEETING: OP SETTLERS. Ax adjourned meeting of settlers was held at the Public Hall, "Waitoa, on Saturday last, at which Mr Gould occupied the chair. The Chairman stated the object of the meeting was the adoption of a memorial to the .Minister of Public Works, with respect to the extension of the railway to the Thames ; also, the consideration of the question of altering the boundaries of the Highway District or County. Mr Hngh Campbell read the following memorial, and moved its adoption, namely : — To the Hon. the Minister of Public "Works, Wellington. '^ir, — riu- memon.il ot the undei signed settlors in the W.iito.i, I'i, iko . mil'lli. unes V.illi I},1 }, lespeittull\ shewoth. — lh.it whereas then 1 is .in unexpended Iml.uk c ot /"?t,ooo ot ,i I'.itli.mienti v Mite toi tho W ilk ito-lh line- k nlxx ix "f xxlu.h onh j^io,oon is h (|iine(l ioi the fn->t sec tion (>} i^ miles tiom H inulton now (onM.utid tor. I'h.it the sec tion will lie ot little 01 mi \.ilue <u .id\,int.iniro until th< liik is e\ti niled to the Ih.inni. 11l it the tin in ition mil ( misii in 111 1< tn ol the n< xi >-' ' i mu ir j tl[._ \\ uh'ju 01 1 1. >m< Mun^ny

sing, as it does, through a level plain can be rapidly made, and probably be the cheapest and most economical in the colony. That as soon as this section, and that already conti acted for are completed, this line would immediately come into profitable occupation, and would open up and render more valuable for settlement a large extent of Crown lands in the magnificent \ alley ot the Thames. That the opening ot this line would remove the reasonable complaint of the settlers in this part of the colony, that while their land and property arc taxed, to make good, losses on railways constructed clsewheir, they do not participate in the advantages of railway communication. That it would thereby do justice not only to them, but would be advantageous to the colonists of New Zealand generally, by promoting settlement, and thus by increasing the tax-payers would to some extent relieve the burden of taxation to all. That it would render the services of the Thames Volunteers immediately and promptly available for the suppression of native disturbances, and theieby save much ot the cost of Constabulary defence forces, and tend greatly to assure the maintenance of peace in the tolon3'. Voui memorialists are the more anxious that this great and truly beneficial undertaking should be promptly proceeded with, as the season of tho year is specially advantageous for rapid and economical construction. On all these grounds, we respectfully and urgently beg that you will be graciously pleased to c ause tenders for the continuation ot the line to the Waihou or Thames river, to be at once called, and, if suitable, accepted. — We have, &c. [Here follow tho signatures]. The a option of the above was seconded by Mr Kails, aud carried. ALTERATIONS OF BOUNDARIES. The question of the alteration of the Highway District was then discussed, but the general opinion was that a division would not be desirable, as the districts would both be small, neither was there a suitable dividing line. Mr Hugh Campbell produced a map showing the boundaries of the Counties and Highway Districts, and was of the opinion that the formation of a new County would most satisfactorily secure all the benefits of local self government. The County, he said, could be worked at no more expense than the Highway District, and the latter could be merged in the County. Thus, only one rate would be raised, and the settlers would have the advantage of the exercise of the larger powers possessed by Counties. Mr Strange moved the following resolution :—: — That in the opinion of this meeting, a new county should be formed, comprising the watershed of the 1 hames and Piako rivers, and commencing on the ri\er Waihou at tho northern boundary ol the Pirauraln block, thence hy the rner to the northern boundary of the Pairoa bloik, thence by that block to the top of the ridge, thence by the summit ot the hills to the top peak of the Te Aroha, thence continuing by the top ot the range to the boundary of the Matamata Highway District; thence following the northern boundary ot that district to the boundary of the Taotaoroa Highway District, thence by that boundary till it 1 caches Thornton's boundary, thence by that boundary to the confiscation line ; thence to a point due west of the Aroha mountain ; thence by a straight line to the northern bonndary ot Ylurekoru bloi k ; thence by that block to the Piako river, and finally by a straight line thence to the point of commencement on the Waihou. The mover pointed out the advantage of making boundaries follow the water shed, and had no doubt that Government would approve of the proposed County, as it was well bounded, contained <i 20,000 acres, which is 120,000 more than required by the 'Ct, and, he believed contained 100 county electors. The resolution was seconded by Mr Reubin Parr, aud carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr J. McCoruiick, seconded by Mr Mellon, the following were appointed a committee to carry out the foregoing resolutions, namely : — Messrs. . Gould, H Campbell, aud W. L. C. Williams, with power to add to their number. The Committee agreed to m^et at the Nottingham Castle Hotel, at 3j).m on the 2oth lust. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the meeting.