LATEST AUCKLAND NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1966, 12 February 1885, Page 2

LATEST AUCKLAND NEWS.

by Tt-Mr.nAru. — own correspondent.] Mr Ballance's Impressions of Auck land. Auckiand, Wednesday Night. Tat, Hon. Bailance left for the Thames to day In an interview with a Star repoi tet , he «aul tins was his first visit to Auckland, and he was highly pleased with all he had seen. He considered that the prospeuty here was as solid as in any other place in the colony. The cuiscs of thU prosperity were nob difficult to dUcowi, but were apparent on the surface But one cause that had attracted \m attention appeared to have boeu ovei looked by othi-io. It was the gie it number of small farmers scattered o\er the district, and he thought that the class of settlement in question 'would be the backbone of Auckland in future. The piincipal drawback to our pi ogress was w here the land was held m large quantities. Nothing m hi& opinion would conduce to grc.itei piosperity in Auckland than the settlement of \Vaikato tUtd the Jvng country, along the route of the' railway, with a population of •ftft<»ll"f*f filers, and that was the policy of the present Government. He had <»veiy reason to believe that they would have the co operation of the natives in tht matter, assunmces ot ft icudly feelings having been made eveijwheic. Speaking in reference to his trip yesterday, Mr Ballaace said lie consideicd that Auckland waa ahead of all other ports of the colony in #10 matter of m.tnuf.ictuior). His unpresalra at the same time was that the people did not support local industries as they should do, and he did not think the glass works leoened the support which they deservo. Mr Ba.ll.ince added that it was a matter of regret to him that he could not v isit moie factories than lie had dining his stay, but he hoped to be able to make an inspection of other places of interest 011 his return to Auckland about six weoks hence. Mr Ballance left at noon to-day for the Thames in the Government steamer Hinemoa. He will remain there until Friday, when he leaves again in the steamer for Tauranga, calling at Waiwera en route, in older to confer w . J^ Sir J. Vogel. He expects to return to Auckland in about six weeks, when lie will visit the North, principally with the object of discussing land matters with the natives. The Trunk Railway. The first contract for the tnink railway from Te Awaniutu, fifteen miles southwauls, will be let in March. Mr Ballance expiesred the intention of the Government to cut up and settle the land along the 1 ail way route in small farm sections. He said he believed they would have the co opeiatiou of natives in that district. The natives, he added, expressed nothing but the most fuendly feelings towanU the Go\ eminent and himself personally, believing that he would act honestly respecting themselves aid their lands. Restrictions on Native Lands. A deputation, consisting of Mr Howard and othei gentlemen, waited upon Mr Bdllaiice to day, icspecting the lemovul of restrictions fiom native lands. Mr Ballanue baid the question of how these lands weie to be disposed of would have to bo decided by coiupiehensive legislation next session. Sale of Property. At the sale of Cole's shop, Queensticet, to day, it fetched £6700, at the rate of £ 300 per foot, exclusive of the building,