THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1909 THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 138, 11 March 1909, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1909 THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

Notwithstanding the tact that the Minister for Public Works adopted a safe attitude with regard to the question of route in connection with the Stratfora-Ongarue railway, and declared that his visit was chiefly with a view to deciding whether a railway in the district was likely to prove payable, there is little doubt that he has been influenced in one direction or other. From the general tone of the Minister's remarks it could be gathered that he entertained a doubt as to whether, the country was yet sufficiently far advanced to warrant the construction of the line from the Northern end. This is a phase of the question which warrants the attention of the settlers generally, and no time should be lost in endeavouring to dispel the impression resultant upon a hurried trip through the main roads of the district. [t is common local knowledge that not a tithe of the settlement of the district can be seen from the main road, which, naturally, are arterial thoroughfares for the purpose of serving settlers situated at various points, more or less distant, along both sides of the main road. It is rather a significant fact, moreover, that the Minster, though never having seen the route of the line between Stratford and Mangaroa, was quite convinced that the construction could be profitably carried from the South to Mangaroa before the Northern point of connection was decided upon. The fact that there is no devision of opinion as to route from the Southern end is doubtless an important factor in influencing Ministerial opinion, and our settlers should take the lesson to heart and urge that the route be decided without delay. There are many side issues to the whole question, but it is obvious that the immediate and most important point to be decided isthat of route. The interests of the whole district and of the country generally demand that the point of connection shall be determined, and that the construction o fhe line from the Northern end shall be commenced without delay. Differences of opinion as to route may still be held, but united action may safely be taken with regard to the pionts mentioned, and we would strongly urge the settlers to join forces on the broad basis of the common good.