RIMUTAKA DEVIATION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 245, 10 July 1920, Page 9

RIMUTAKA DEVIATION

A WAIRARAPA CONFERENCE NEED FOR UNITED ACTION By Toleßraph.-Bpecial Correwondent. Masterton, July 9. About thirty representatives of tin Wairarapa Progress Ltnguo and Chanl hers of Commereo met hero to-day tc discuss the advisability of united notioi in urging the need of a Rimutaka devia tion. The bodies represented were tin Masterton, Carterton, and Featherstor Progress Leagues and Chambers of Commerce, and tho Grcytown Chamber Colonel Mitchell, M P., was present as c representative of the Wellington Progress league. An apology was received from Mr. A. D. M'leod, M.P., who oxpressed the hope- that the meeting would arrive at a decision favouring united action. Mr. J. F. Thompson (ohairman of the Greytown Chamber of Commerce) presided. Ho said that tho deviation question had been tho subject of discussion since 1879 Everyone agreed that a deviation was necessary, but there was nc agreement on the question of th'e route; consequently, nothing had been done. He hoped ■ that the present meeting would result in unanimity, and a determination to press the authorities until a deviation was made. Colonel Mitchell, who was greeted with enthusiastic applause, said the Central League considered that after lines now in course of construction, the Rimutaka deviation had first claim to tho attention of the authorities. Tho people of tho Wairarapa would find that unless they presented a united front, nnd continually pressed the Government, even their children's children would hot see a movo made. Mr. C. E. Daniell proposed tho following motion:—"That whereas tho railway - over the Rimutaka is admittedly inefficient and excessively expensive to work, this meeting of representatives of the Wairarapa urgeo that a new route he definitely decided ou." Mr. Maxtcm seconded the motion. Mr. A. C. Holmes contended they should be careful how far they allowed the Government to deoide the route; there was always a possibility of wirepulling in choosing the route. They must certainly consider fanning interests as well as commercial. &. C, Dennehy, of Featherston, while supporting the remarks of Colonel Mitchell and the other speakers in reference to united notion, doubted whether the people on the other coast would be entirely agreeable to any proposal to speed up the lino on this eide of the Tararuas. Mr. J, MTlerizle, </f Featherston, said that it did not matter much to him which' way the deviation went, but they should see that the line was improved from Lower Hutt upwards. Not far on this side of Lower Hutt was a difficult piece of line ever which engine-drivers were instructed not to exceed five to ten miles an hour. This proved that they should not only eee to the incline, but should agitate for Improvement even in the Hutt Valley. Featherston peoplo would agree to any deviation, but wanted the lower part of the dine improved first. The resolution was carried unanimously. It was decided that a committee, consisting of the president of each Progress League and Chamber of Commerce, should be formed to deal with the deviation. ' Mr. C. E. Daniell proposed, Mr. J. M'Kenzie seconded, nnd it was- resolved; "That the Central Progress League bo asked to continue the agitation for the improvement of the Wairarapa railway svstem by a deviation and otherwise, and that the league be assured of the support of the Wairarapa Progress League and Chambers of Commerce."