NEW RAILWAY WANTED.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 285, 26 August 1908, Page 7

NEW RAILWAY WANTED.

LEVIN-DREATFORD DEVIATION. SHORTENING THE .TOURNEY TO AUCKLAND. ■ (BT TELEGRAPH,—SPECIAL COItP.ESPONDENT.) Marton, August 25. At a meeting of the Marton Chamber of Commerce, to-day, tho chairman (Mr. F. Purnell) referred to tho proposed LevinGreatford railway. He considered tho timo had arrived for moving in tho matter. A deputation had been appointed to collect data in connection with tho proposal, and ho explained tho action takon by himself and others some.four months ago. He, gave tho following reasons for agitating for the now line:— (1) That tho construction of this lino of railway would shorten the through journey from Auckland to "Wellington by 15 milos, and by one hour in time. (2) That tho lino can bo easily and cheaply constructed throughout almost in a direct line and by easy grades and curves. (3) That it would avoid tho many steep grades and sharp curves on tho south side of Greatford. (4) That tho route contains some'of the finest agricultural and pastoral land in the Dominion, capable of furthor development. (5) That already about 18 milos of railway iii this direct route has been constructed by tho Manawatu County Council. (G) That as this 18 milos of railway, dealing with local traffic, is a profitable undertaking, it is quite safe to assume that tho deviation when made available for both through and local traffio will return handsome profits.' (7)' That its construction will bring Marton into direct communication with the port of Foxton and the Wharangi Beach. (8) That it would bring Marton into touch with a prosperous and progressive portion of tho Manawatu district by direct railway communication. (9) That it should bring Marton within a four hours' railway journey of Wellington. . (10) That it would still further emphasise tho importance of Marton as one of the groat railway centres of the North Island. (11) That as the Government in June, 1895, refused to allow this direct railway connection to bo made by private enterprise, it is but fair and equitable that the Government should now construct this line, which its importance to the district and the Dominion fully warrants. Continuing, Mr. Purnell said that in 1895 four gentlemen approached tho Government for permission to construct this lino privately, but were refused. It was cortainly a strong point in favour of the Government undertaking the work that a private syndicate was prepared to do so, and make it pay. Tho local bodies of Marton had been lukewarm on tho matter, but probably only wanted tlio proposal properly laid before them.

It was resolved that the Chamber approvo of steps being taken to form a railway line from Levin to Marton, and that the Marton Borough Council, Rangitikei County Council, Huntorville Town Board, and Taihapo Borough Council be written to asking them for their sympathy and support.