LIGHT RAILWAYS

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1385, 21 February 1905, Page 3

LIGHT RAILWAYS

DISCUSSION BY COOK COUNTY COUNCIL.

At tho mooting o£ the Cook County Oounoil yestorday a roply was roooived from tho Waiapu Oouucil with regard to a motion before tho Cook Oounoil to consider the possibility of constructing a light railway from To Karaka to tho Waiapu Valley. Whilst recoguising tho advantages that a railway of this character would confer upon the localities through which it was would bo carriod, tho Waiapu Coun cil did not fool justified at tho presont time in considering tho projeoti their resources being taxed to the utmost in endeavoring to provide and maintain road communication within their distriot. Or Matthews, who has always boon a strong advocate for the construction of a light lino from To Karaka tci tap the Hast Coast," made a forciblo speech in favor of tho proposal. Such a line to act as a feeder *to the main line would send the district?' ahead t by leaps and bounds. It was tho duty ’of tho Oounoil to do what they could to forward the project. Ho thought that the Government should be approached with a view of getting a reserve for the construction of tho line. Or Matthews suggested that tho Waiapu Oounoil should bo asked to send a delegate to discuss the question with the Cook J Coun oil.

Cr Clayton pointed out that in the event of the Government giving an endowment in aid if ‘bo .construction of the line, the objections of the Waiapu Counoil would doubtless be removed. The co-

operation of the Bailway League should also be obtained.

I The Chairman had not much hope of getting the Government to assist in the manner stated. They would do things I their own way. Possibly if they urged the importance of a light line they would get a broad one. Cr Matthews thought that the Bailway lieague should be written to. Cr Gray was also of this opinion, as the lieague would have more weight with the Government than would tho County Council.

After further discussion it was decided to ask tho Bailway lieague to call a meeting for Friday, March 13th, to discuss the matter. It was also agreed to write to the Government asking if they would give an endowment and supply rails for the pro-

posed line. The clerk was instructed to invite the assistance of the Waiapu Counoil and the member for the district.