PAEROA-POKENO.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 227, 25 September 1929, Page 8

PAEROA-POKENO.

RAILWAY PLAN REJECTED?

OFFICIAL INVESTIGATIONS

QUESTION OF ALTERNATIVE R.OUTE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) THAMES, this day. The statement that, despite the denials of officials or interested parties, the Paeroa-Pokeno line will not be built, at least not for a considerable number of years, is made by the "Tha,mes Star."

In the first place, says the "Star," the project does not fit in with the United party's present main line railway policy, as there already is a lino which, though not parallel, serves to connect the East Coast with Auckland. Secondly, the Departmental opinion is that the line would not pay sufficiently to justify its construction. Thirdly, it is considered there are difficulties in the way of construction which were not realised when tho first plans and surveys were drawn up. Fourthly, after observation of the way in which the roads over the Piako 'swamp and the Hauraki Plains have been standing up to the increasing heavy traffic, and after the noting of the fact that they are steadily sinking, it is believed that the cost of making a railway of sufficient strength to stand up to heavy, fast goods traffic—which is tho only valid reason for the construction of the line—would far exceed the previous estimates find would be prohibitive, as would be the cost of its maintenance. Fifthly, it is considered that a shorter and better loop could be obtained in another direction. Although it is not possible to make a definite statement on the subject, it is almost certain that a line from Morrinsville to Taupiri is exercising the minds of tho Railway Department officers. Sixthly, it is understood that a tally of traffic has been taken and that it has been found that with motor and seaborne competition there is little need for a third mode of transport as far as the plains are concerned. Various other factors have influenced the Departmental officers who have been making decisions. The question, amongst others, of strong road competition, and the ever-increasing motor lorry transport, together with the duplication of the Auckland-Frankton line, leads them to believe that the volume of traffic from the East Coast will not seriously hinder the present rail service, and, until the East Coast Main Trunk is completed, the Pacroa-Pokeno line will not be warranted.

In tho meantime, therefore, it may bo taken for granted that the line will not be gone on with for some time.