LIGHT RAILWAYS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 87, 7 January 1920, Page 3

LIGHT RAILWAYS

A NOKTH AUCKLAND PKOJECT. The proposal to link up Hamilton with Raglan and Kawhia by moans of a light railway similar to those which proved so useful in France and Dclgiiiin has aroused considerable inlori'st in tlio district (says- the "New Zealand Ifcrnld"). If legislative authority can he obtained to provide for the construction of narrowpause lines, there is every probability that the pronos.il will he carried into effect. The proposal is to construct a. line from the Main Trunk line at Frankton Junction to Karamu, where one 'branch.line will he taken to Raglan and another io Knwhia, tapping the Moerangi Block en route. Goods from the two ports could lio conveyed to Hamilton. Provision would also be made to carry passengers. Tho engineers. Giotaiivs H. D. Dnnsey. T). Bruce, and JI. Worloy, consider that in addition to goods and passengers, the carringo of lime, coal, fish, and limber would be sufficient to make tho lino a | payable proposition. At. Karamu there is already a lime works established, and a light railway would be a, great -factor in distributing lime to settlers. In the vicinity of Whatnwhata there is an undeveloped coal seam. The coal is considered good enough for household purposes, and at the present time is being used by the surrounding settlers. The Moerangi Block comprises 4f1,(M0 acres, and when opened up would make excellent country for pastoral purpofics. The possibilities of Kawhia as a. port are important. At tho present time vessels drawing 30ft of water can berth at the wharf, and with further expendituTO the port conM be adapted to berth many large vessels. The. cost of a light railwnv such as is proposed is estimated at £1400 a mile, as against .£4OOO for the standard gauge. According to Captain Dansey there ia it present in France and England _ a large qunntitv of light railway equipment and rolling stock, and lie recommends that steps be taken to secure somo of the plant and etiuioment.