Deputation of Waitoa Settlers.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1505, 25 February 1882, Page 2

Deputation of Waitoa Settlers.

Shortly after Mr Hall's return from the Lincolnshire farmers' settlement, a deputation of Waxtoa settlers, consisting of Messrs <T. B. Smith, Collins, Strange, Parr and Bowler, with a few others, waited on him in the Warden's office. Mr J. B. Whyte introduced the deputation. The first subject which they desired to bring under the notice of the Premier was the extension of the railway to the Thames from Morrinsville. Though he had already spoken on that matter in the morning, when it was brought under his notice by the previous deputation, he (Mr Whyte) hoped he would kindly let the present deputation hear his intentions regarding the same matter. Mr Hall said that with respect to the railway extension, be had stated to the previous deputation that the Government were anxious to push it on from Hamilton to Morrinsville and the Thames as soon as possible. The railway bdag no use until the bridge was finished, was one^ reason it was not pushed on so rapidly, because it would increase the cost of making the railway, having to bring the rails on the ground by carting them. They were therefore waiting for the railway -bridge to be completed before they could complete the line to Morrinsville. TKey also proposed to go On with , the formation of the Thames railway a-- ■ soon as possible.. He 'thought it better, as they had not an unlimited r amount of .funds, to have the line completed aa far a's i Morrinsville. - r , 1 * Aft&rsome questions, had Been, ask ed^ 'Mi; Tyiiyte thought that, -the 1 balance of ■ the'd&l 3,ooo mi^ht be^devbterttd the completion'of the formation, 'seeing that it ''could not be expended anywhere else.- • - Mr promised j that the survey

would be put in hand as soon as the officers could be spared. . Mr Whyte said the nexfc subject was that the people were desirous the sale of the public lands should be pushed on as soon as possible, as this would, viewing it from their own point of view, relieve them from the burden of maintaining roads and bridges throagh land which contributed nothing. Mr Hall replied that-Mr Rolleston was Minister for Lands, and as he would be in the district shortly, they could.press that, matter on his attention. Mr Parr spoke at some length in favour of a township for Waitoa, as he thought it would be conducive to the settlementof the surrounding co\mtry. r The Attorney-General said that when Waitoa was first proposed for a township Te Aroha was not thought of, but nevertheless lie would wish them to distinctly understand, that the Government did not object to their having a-township there. Mr Parr said there was land between the' Government township and the Waihou river, good in quality, which had never been put up for sale. The local board had spent about £200 a year on the main road, without any outside assistance, and if the land was put up for sale, they would receive rates for it. Mr Hall promised he would bring the matter under the notice of Mr Rolleston. Mr Whyte presented a memorial from a number of the settlers re the Rotorua and Thames railway. They complained of the injustice of their being taxed for the support of the line, at the same time not being benefited by it. Mr Hall said that the railway was proposed to be made by a private company. When the Government got the proposals from the company, they would refer them to their engineer, and they could rely upon it if they were not satisfied the proposals would not be accepted. It rested with the Government to rate the land that would be included in the rated area. Warning should be given to the company in»the first place, aud if they could not modify their scheme to suit the landowners, the Government would have to go into the question. The company in all probability would consider what line would be best for themselves, and whether they rated the land fairly or not it only amounted to this, that if they did uot agree with them, they could appeal to the Government, and they would see justice done. Mr Whyte then presented a memorial from a number of the Deferred Payment settlers, drawing attention to the'condition of the drainage system of the block. After hearing particulars, Mr Hall said it was useless for him to go into the matter, as it was a subject for the Minister of Lands. He had, however, requested an officer to be sent to make enquiries into the whole affair, but his report was not as yet ready. Mr Hales had made a cursory examination of the ground, and thought the system allright. Mr Breakell produced a report on the drainage system of the* block, and, after a little discussion, suggested ithat the Government engineer hhoulcl accompany him over the block, so as to give him an opportunity of proving his assertions. Mr Hall consented.