As Mr Williams did not press tho matter, the motion was put and carried. Cautain Runeiman moved "That the object of the league shall be an endeavour to obtain a change in the present railway policy in such a direction as will more effect ually knit the country producing districts with the centres of industry and popula tion, and both with the outlets of trade. The following are the principal points which it is proposed to adopt as a common platform, : —(l)Tho total abolition of differential rating; (2) the aholution of mileage rat ing, and the substitution of a stage sy.-tem ; (3) the stage system adopted must kc of such a nature as to give special facilities to districts and settlers far removed from a market; (4) a reduction in the charges for the, conveyance of passengers and goods; (5) a simplification in the classification of goods ; (0) a simplification and amalgama tion of terminal, weighing, cranage, and other charges." Mr Clements, in seconding the motion, s.-.id he was a strong supporter of Mr Vaile's system, and was one of the fust to invite him to come to tho di.-trict. 'The first step ping-stone to success would be at the next general election, when they must put in men who are in favour of reorganising the railway system. Mr Clark said that the. settlement of waste lands was the. real question that should be considered with railway reform. Not fares, but freights, are what should be reduced, as thrift and perseverance should be encouraged, but cheap fares would have a tendency in the opposite direction. All productions during tho last five years had been reduced 50%, while freights had still continued at the old rate. Eighteen years ago the charges on a bullock to Auckland were -Is, when that bullock brought £12; now the charges were (is 2d, and the bullock only brought £5 10s. He would sooner double the passenger rates, if in that way the freights would be reduced. Mr Seddon said that they must have the railways established on a mercantile system, very few people now were able to under stand the present classification. They have got the railways and must pay the interest on them through the taxes. The railways should give the settlers a chance to compete

with other countries. 