THE GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS IN THE SOUTH. Indignation Meetings. [BY TELEGRAPH, PRESS ASSOCIATION].

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1229, 15 May 1880, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS IN THE SOUTH. Indignation Meetings. [BY TELEGRAPH, PRESS ASSOCIATION].

Balclutha, Yesterday. A public meeting of settlers was held in the East Clutha school-room last night, to consider the action of the Government in stopping the Catlius River Railway. Mr. Powell, Chairman of the County Council, was in the chair. Mr. J. M. Thomson, M.H.R., was present. The following resolutions were passed :—": — " Resolved, seeing thit the Government, after careful consideration, initiated a line of railway from Invercargill to Catlins River, the first section of which is formed ; that the New Zealand Parliament last session appropriated £12,000 for the further prosecution of the woik ; that the present Minuter of Public Works months ago promised the settlers here that the second section of this lino Would be at once proceeded with, and that m accordance therewith, tenders were called for and received, none of which were accepted — this meeting views with deepest regret the sudden and unexpected stopping of this much needed and very important line of railway, and would most respectively request the G-ovomnxent to reconsider their decision, and proceed with the work without delay. "

Nelsox, Tnursday. A largely-attended meeting was held last night to consider the action of the Government in declining to accept tenders for the Trunk Railway. — Mr. Pitt, M.H.R. read a telegram from the Colonial Treasurer, which, in effect, stated that in the financial position of the colony the Government felfc bound, before accepting further contracts, to see their way to mset the deficiency on 31st March last, which he stated to be over one million. The speaker urged that the G-ovar un3nt could not have made the discovery all at once after calling for tenders, and contended that the Government had broken their pledges, and tjiat the meeting should expivss strong disapprobation of the action of Government after their distinct pledges. It was also carried by a large majority that as the Nelson district has not received its share of expenditure, though its inhabitants had hid to contribute towards the whole expenditure of the colony, this meeting calls on its representatives to oppose by all constitutional measures any government till justice is done to Nelson. Mr. Hursthouse, M.H.R,. was present, and opposed the last resolution.