THE DARGAVILLE LINE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1931, Page 5

THE DARGAVILLE LINE

CONTINUATION URGED. DAIIGAVILLE, January 12. A large meeting of settlers of Dargaville and district attenoded a meeting amvened by the Mayor fMr Jones, and Mr V. Trousnson (chairman of the Hobson County Council) to consider what steps should he taken in connection with tjje suspension olf the Tango-wahine-Dargaville railway construction works by the Government. The Mayor presided’ and Mr Coates attended. RESOLUTIONS CARRIED. After Mr Coates, the Mayor and a number of other' prominent citizens and settlers had spoken, the following resolution was carried: “That this meeting, presided over by the Mayor of Dargaville, and comprising members of the Dargaville Borougn Council, the Hobson County Council, tlie Kailiu Valley Drainage Board, the Northern Wairoa Farmers’ Union, die 1 -igaville Chamber of Commerce and settlers and citizens, unanimously urges upon the Government the wisdom of at once proceeding with the completion of the gap of olie and a half miles, which will give through railway from Donnelly's Crossing to Aitciilnhd. It-is emphasised that, by the expenditure dt 1140,000, sufficient Work eottld he (lone to allow services to run oti tlm Knitiu section of twenty miles, I hat this meeting is of opinion that the rail'va.v under review, from a developmental point of view, holds splendid prospects and that only by railway communication can much land awaiting settlers be economically served; and is further of opinion that in no part of the Dominion do brighter prospects exist Toi hundreds qf new settlers than in the valleys and Hats of Northern Wairoa anci its environs; that, pending further consideration and investigation, this meeting urges that work he carried on and the railway line completed to the racecourse station, a distance of five miles from Tangowaliine. Of tuis section. three miles lias already been laid down with permanent rails; bridges are constructed, formation is done, and all materials are on the site to complete the remaining two miles. The whole ol the work to link up the racecourse station can be finished and the line opened for traffic by the end of March at a cost of not more than £7OOO. If the' Government accedes to this proposal, the work will be found for sixtymen. These men are all on the job now, and are thoroughly qualified in all branches of railway construction.”