THE KAWHIA RAILWAY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 557, 9 April 1913, Page 5

THE KAWHIA RAILWAY.

SOUTH KAWHIA'S CLAIMS. RAILWAY LEAGUE'S ATTITUDE. The reconnaisance survey, which is now being carried out by the Public Works Department, of routes between Kawhia harbour and the Main Trunk line, has led the South Kawhia Rail way League to make a definite stand as regards the south aide of the harbour. The following telegram has been sent to the Hon. W. Eraser, Minister of Public Works, by Mr John Smith, secretary"l am directed by my league to strongly urge on you the claims of the south side of the harbour when considering the decision of route to connect Kawhia harbour with the Main Trunk line." Mr C. K. Wilson, M.P. for the district, has also been telegraphed as follows: "l am directed by my league to request you tu strongly urge on the Minister for Public Works the claims of the soutn side of the Kawhia harbour in the matter of a trial survey to connect the harbour with the Main Trunk line." Mr G. Elliott, secretary of the Pio Pio-Waitewhena Railway League, and Mr V. Jackson, secretary of the Ratanui Railway League, have also been notified that war has been declared. In conversation with the secretary, he informed me that the justification of the campaign now being opened waß the fact that railway communication with the Main Trunk line and the south side of the harbour would serve the national purpose, for the reason that it would tap more country, g erv<> more people, and connect direct with the deep wdter of Kawhia harbour. The country on the south side of the harbour had now passed -the pioneering stage, and was beginning to produce. This was a fact which should weigh heavily with the Government, and was one that he was sure would create a good impression as the line would be a quick paying concern. Besides, the great majority of country on the southern side was Crown lands, and more closely settled. Mr Smith referred to a meeting of the King Country Central A. and P. Association which was held some little time back to consider the question of freezing works, which favoured Kawhia. It was only commonsense to infer that it was the south side of the harbour which was in the minds of those present for the reason that deep water was on the south side. Such enthusiastic meetings as this concerning fat stock showed clearly the importance of the movement. From Awakino through to rongaporutu, to Ohura, to Rangitoto, would be a safe line to draw from which fat stock would be required to 3e railed to the harbour. Then, again, ;here were the larger milling interests jf the King Country, which would releive rent through this quarter, rhese and many other things he considered justified the attitude of his eague. The greatest benefit for the greatest number was his league's ideal jnd this they intended to urge it upon ;he Government. It is understood that it is the eague's intention to commence a scheme of organisation at the earliest possible date and that those who in jnyway will be affecced by the advo;acy of this route will be asked to cojperate.