THE RAILWAY ROUTE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2071, 4 May 1907, Page 1

THE RAILWAY ROUTE.

A correspondent of the Opotiki Herald writes as follows: —I hope you will allow me space in your p ;l p er to make a few remarks on the Gisborne to Auckland railway, the agitation being very strong with part of tine Gisborne people to take our much-needed railway through Tahora. If taken by that route it yt.il 1 isolate Opotiki and Motu altogether. 1 hope the farmers of this district and people in general will form a combine and agitate for Opotiki to be tapped by this railway as it will mean a great reduction in freight and passage to Auckland, also give Opotiki communication with Gis-

borne. Without a railway the Northern Co. has the people of Opotiki in their lingers, and with no opposition in t-lio place their freights are very high. I think tlio business people of Opotiki ought for tho benefit of themselves to look further into this matter as regards this railway route, as Motu and surrounding country must consume thousands of pounds’ worth of stores and material every year that could be delivered to Motu much cheaper than from Gisborne, and if Opotiki had a railway through to Auckland tlio Northern Co.’s services would no longer be required, and why pay such prices for 'timber when you, have it at band as posts and timber could be delivered at Opotiki at little over half the present cost. We cannot expect much help from the Gisborne end as by tapping Opotiki,it would be like robbing Peter to pay Paul, and taking half of the trade of the country between here and Gisborne away. No wonder the people of Gisborne want to change tlio route anywhere so long as they reach Auckland. There is one good point in our favor, and that is tho present flying "survey to P;*£>amoa lias proved far the best route yet, and the last report by the surveyors is that -they can get down either tlio Pakihi on the Waiaua with ease. Hoping •'ihe Opotiki Railway League will seriously consider the matter.