MATAHINA TRAMWAY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 35, 30 May 1947, Page 5

MATAHINA TRAMWAY

PAPER MILLS DEPUTATION COUNTY COUNCIL DISCUSSION A deputation from the Whakatane Paper Mills attended the County Council meeting on Tuesday for the purpose of seeking a renewal of their license to use the bridge over Seccombe’s Cut.

Mr Brown stated that the logging train made six crossings of the bridge and allowing it a minute, which was a very generous time, for the crossing it held up traffic for six minutes each day. He also mentioned the benefits to the district which had resulted from the Paper Mills’ activities. The intercensal increase in population was mainly due to the workers and their families who had come to the mill to work. The retention of the rail service to Taneatua which had been running at a large loss before the advent of the paper mills was due to their commencing operations. Saved Roads The tramway had saved the County roads also, as the alternative to the rail transport was 40 lorry trips per day, representing 80 crossings of the bridge.

Cr Hunter stated that the County had to consider the bridge, which would not last long. Mr Brown stated that the company was prepared to spend £IOO on the bridge. He then went on to outline the proposed repairs. Apply For License The Council suggested. that the company make application for a renewal of the license and that without prejudice the company might repair the bridge, the work to be carried out to the County Engineer’s satisfaction.