TRAMS FOR MOTU.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2221, 19 June 1908, Page 2

TRAMS FOR MOTU.

MR. REES’ TRIPs PROPOSALS WELL RECEIVED. Mr. W. iL. Rees, who his formulaLed a scheme for a system of hush tramways for the Motu and Tahora districts, returned to Gisborne on Wednesday night, after a short visit to Mata,wni and Motu, during which ho undertook to explain the proposals to the settlers there. Speaking to a “Times” reporter last evening Mr. Rees slid his proposal had been most enthusiastically received b” the people in the various districts, who, aftor hearing the scheme explained, were anxious that . the tramway should bo laid down as quickly a« possible. * i “I left Gisborne early on Monday morning,” said Air. Rees, “and on arrival At Willow Crossing was met by Mr. Otto Hansen and driven to Matawai. The road from Willow Crossing to where tlio section of the railway that is • now nearing completion ends is along level country; but from there commences to climb a- very steep hill, ami 1 soon saw it would be impossible to place a tramline on the gride. With Mr. Armstrong, District Engineer for Railways, I went up, the Waihuka Valley stream, arid Mr. Armstrong pointed out the suitability of tlio bed of this stream for laying down tram rails. We’ rode up the stream as far as Gold Creek, and I was Soon able t 0 see the creek offered no great difficulties against a tramway, as it is unbroken and lias an- oven grade. The bed is rocky and firm, and the rails could be well supported on piles. I visited Rakauroa, Matawai, and Motu, and delivered addresses in each place, and each meeting passed a resolution favoring my scheme and urging upon me to start the work. After my visit 1 am more confident of the success of the venture than ever, for I cart see the great possibilities of the trams as soon .as they are running. I went on us far as the old Motu bridge, and siw the great Mangatu timber country, and the size of the trees there is marvellous. Many of them are Oft through, and ,150 ft high before they branch. The timber resources of this district are practically inexhaustible, and l should, return a railway revenue of £200,000 a year for the next 50 years. I only journeyed along the main lines, and I am told that there is even better timber in the side districts, which the railway will never touch, and which could only be worked by trams.