NAPIER AND GISBORNE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2261, 5 August 1908, Page 1

NAPIER AND GISBORNE.

THE CONNECTING LINK.

We arc glad that Mr Fraser has socured a promise from the 'Minister of 'Railways that tho survey of tlio lino between this town and Gisborno will bo .prococdod with as soon as possible, probably during tho coming summer (says tho Hawke’s Hay ‘‘Herald” m an editorial on tho abovo subject). That is something, but it would not do to rato the promise at too high a value. It is, of course, all that Mr Fraser could do at present. It is u:!l that the Chamber of Commerce ventured to ask of tho Government. But a survey is ono thing and tho actual construction of the lino is another. .No ono in this province doubts that wo have a right t ( > some consideration. This is tho only province which lias had no new railway construction work for twenty-five years past. Wo have ono of tho most paying lines in tho colony, and our profits aro used to pay interests on loans for railway extension elsewhere. It is grossly unfair, and thero is nothing to be said in defence of tho Government. But it does not follow that wo shall get our desserts. Both tho 'Premier and Mr Hall-Jones liavo suggested that several now lines will shortly bo selected for construction as soon as funds permit. We shall be surprised if the lino from Gisborne to tho north is not named for early extension. That ■is boon use tho Auckland members aro too strong for us; and' uovor miss a chance of securing as big a slico as possible of ail tho good things going. They deserve every credit for their energy and cohesion. "Why cannot our members combine with, say, tho ’Wellington members to obtain a fair hearing for our claims ? The Premier could not resist the claim if it was backed up by a solid body of voters. At present wo aro afraid that he considers that ho has this district in liis pocket, and that we are not worth consideration in connection with the matter of now railway work.