REEFTON RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1191, 6 November 1882, Page 2

REEFTON RAILWAY LEAGUE.

The weekly muating of the members of the Executive Committee of the League was held at the Council Chambers, on Friday evening last, there being present Messrs Oxley (chair) Wise, Campbell, Williams, Graham, Gardner, Potts, and Hankin. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, the Secretary read copies of all outward correspondence forwarded since the last meeting. The following correspondence inwards was read. Christchurch, October 26th, 1882. Mb Hankin, Dear Sir. — At several interviews we have had with the Mayor, and members of the City Council, the President of the Industrial Association, and the Mayor and members of the Sydenham Council, re East and West Coast Railway project, finally arranged to form a Conference of Delegates from each representative body, to be formed into a Railway League, to co-operate with your League at Reef ton, and as there will be a great number of them, as the County Councils and also the Road Boards are to be invited. The meeting is to be held at the City Council Chambers, on the 6th November, and as it would be as well for a few to be nominated to the Conference representing the Keefton League, I would suggest it as well if you would convene a meeting and nominate Mr Weston M.H.R. myself, and Mr Thornton. I had an interview this morning with Mr Weston, Mr Thornton, and the Mayor, and as the reports, plans, and statistics are in our hands we shall be able to push matters forward. We shall be present at the Conference by invitation from the Mayor, but aa we have been the originators of the movement for the last two years, and as the agitation has nowgot so widespread and popular, that Canterbury members are dumbfounded as to what action to take, they had no idea that the movement was of so popular a character, they put all the meetings down to us, as advocating the route to some private ends, but matters are now beginning to look somewhat serious, and the Government themselves had no idea that such a strong movement would be got together to oppose the Land Ring, as only two members, namely Mr Holmes and Mr Weston, and as both these members when adverse to the Government their voices were not listened to. How- i ever, as we are now likely to work together harmoniously for the mutual benefit of both the Eeefton district, as also Canterbury, I hope the members of the League will number thousands on both sides of the range, and I hope success will crown our efforts.

Should your League have confidence in the name,? I have suggested, you might i wire us instructions to act before the Con- | ference meets on November Gth, as a I letter would not arrive in time. I am etc. , Emiuad Wickes. Nelson, 25i.1i October, 1882.— Sir, — Your telegram of the 14th instant, and the resolutions of the Reefton League were read and considered at a recent meeting of the Nelson Railway Committee, and I am directed in reply to inform you that the Committe have received official information that their request for ample time to prepare their case for the Royal Commission is not granted, and that the Commission will proceed as early as possible with the enquiry. There does not appear, therefore, to be any likelihood that a preliminary survey of the line from Chriatchurch to Reefton could be made in time to be laid before the Commissioners, even should the terms of their Commission be wide enough to include any but the several East Coast pro- ' jects and the Central line, by way of the j Acheron and Wairau valleys. I am desired to report that the proposals of the Ftaefton League are very muchmoreacceptabletothe Nelson district generally than the East Coast line, which would be absolutely useless to this part of the country. So far then as regards resolute opposition to that line goes they will co-operato with the Reefton League, and foul confident that their united efforts will prevail.— I have, &c, J. C. Richmond. Hon. Sec, Nelson Railway Committee. Canterbury Char/i^or of Coimneroe, Christdiurch, October 28th, 1882. H. G. Hsnkis, Eflo., Secretary Ruefton Railway League. Sir. — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th

instant, covering copy of resolutions passed by your Committee in answer to the communication from the Nelson Committee, re the extension of ilie northern railway from the "Red Post:" and in reply thereto, I beg to inform you that the matter is receiving the attention of the Committee of this Chamber. I have further to inform yoU that this Chamber will, at the request of the "Reefton Railway League, communicate officially witli the Government, and ask them to include amongst the other duties of the Royal Commission, that of travelling over the various proposed railway routes including the " Cannibal Gorge." I have &c, James A. Bird, Seeretary. The following telegram from the Assistant Under-Secretafy was read :— In reply Minister doeß not know of any evidence required by ithe Commission which there has not beeij time to prepare. I may mention that all) suggestions received by the Government will be handed to the Commission. 1 TMj. Benzoni, Asst. TTnder-Secretary Public Works. The correspendence as read was received. The secretary was instructed to communicate by wire with Mr Thornton, appointing him a delegate to act with Mr Weston and Mr Weeks. I The secretary submitted an approximate statement of the indebtedness of the League. It was decided that Messrs Oxley, Wise, Graham and the secretary interview the County Council, with the view of obtaining a subsidy towards carrying on the business of the League. The canvassers not having completed their duties, it was decided that they be requested to report to the next meeting of the committee. On the motion of Mr Wise seconded by Mr Williams it was resolved that a public meeting of the League be convened for next Friday evening, for the purpose of receiving report of the business done by the Executive Committee and appointing additional members of the Committee. After some other business the meeting adjourned.