THE ROTORUA RAILWAY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1764, 25 October 1883, Page 2

THE ROTORUA RAIL WA Y.

Db. Campbell, and Messrs J. M. Clark told T.'Peacock, M.H.K., directors of the Rotorua'Railway Company, had an interview with the Ngatnvhakane at Rotoma on Monday morning. Mr H. T. Clarko attended on behalf of the Government. Dr. Campbell explained to the natives the conditions under which the line could be constructed, and pointed out in forcible language the benefits which would accrue to .the Maoris from the increased population which would follow the making of the line. The Lake country was famed all over the world, and but for the inefficient means of communication large numbers, thousands, of invalids would thiong 1 the place. The l.uidi of the natives would be enhanced in \ alue,* and a market would lie found for then- produce, .so that they and their children would live in affluence. The chief Feteia agreed with all Dr Campbell said, and favoured the construction of the line. The natives wei c agreeable to give a line for the l ail way, but they could not give the endowment of 20,000 acies as lequired, because they did not know whether the Lands Court, just o\er, had awaided them as much as that, and if thoy gave all their land they would not expeiience any of the benefits spoken of. Several other natives spoke in the same strain. Mr J. M. Claik spoke at home length, pointing out that the Europeans had voluntarily agreed to tax themselves for the construction of the line through their land, and the Maoris were abkod to assist in a somewhat similar way. If the endowment were not forthcoming the line could not be made. Dr. Campbell said the natives would receive a large revenue fiom the township if the railway were made. The present lessees had invented on the stiength of an assurance that the line was to be constructed, and if that promise was not fulfilled, foi what, he asked, would the pakehas pay the lents ? Mr H. T. Claike endorsed Dr. Campbells remarks. He believed the land awai ded to the Ngatiwhakane was about 80,000 acres. The proceeding then terminated, hi the evening the dhectoib had an interview with Petera, who explained that, though he had promised to aid the company, the decision of the coiut had upset the natives. The directors explained, in answer to Peteia, that the land would be dealt with for the mutual benefit of natives and the company. Thereat Petera expiehsed great satisfaction, and promised to assist. There is every prospect of a satisfactory ai rangement being come to.