STRATFORD-ONGARUE RAILWAY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 366, 3 June 1911, Page 5

STRATFORD-ONGARUE RAILWAY.

WORK AT THE NORTHERN END

Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P., has just completed another tour of his large electorate, which extends from VVaikato and Tauranga in the north, to Rangitikei in the south, and east and west from Hawke's Bay to the West Coast. Speaking to a representaive of the "Star" Mr Jennings expressed tlvj great satisfaction felt by the settlers of Ongarue and Ohura at having at last won from the Government a promise that the Ongarue Stratford railway shall be started at the Ongarue end. For many years Mr Jennings, both in and out of the House, has, while approving the activity displayed at the Stratford end, at the same time most strongly pleaded that a start should also be made at the northern end. The Ministerial reply was always unfavourable, however, the position being taken up that if the plants and staffs were divided the progress of railway construction would not be so rapid. In his recent tour through his electorate, however, Mr Jennings succeeded in persuading the Minister for Public Works, the Hon. R. McKenzie, to accompany him over the railway route. The member for the district was then able to convince the Minister that i? the northern settlers had to wait till the line was carried through the Tangarakau gorge northwards, they would be suffering a very great injustice. The result now is that surveyors are at work on the Ongarue end, and the Minister has promised that by the time Tarliament meets 200 men will be at work on the northern end of the Stratford-Ongarue railway.