The Government Railway Policy.

Manawatu Herald, 11 December 1894, Page 3

The Government Railway Policy.

The proceedings at the opening of the final section of the Rotorua Railway on Saturday were most successful. There was splendid weather. The Premier thanked the assemblage for their kind reception. He claimed credit for the completion of the. line to the township, which would now give » reasonable return on the expenditure, and render the Rotorua Sanatorium accessible to the whole world. Credit was also due to the original promoter! — Dr Campbell, Judge Fenton, Mr F. D. Rich and others. He then went on to sketch briefly what he thought should be done in the matter of railway works for the future. He thought the Mokau section of the North Island Trunk line should be completed to the road leading to Waitara. What would be the making of the Auckland Province would be to have a coach road right through from that point to New Plymouth. Then he thought the ■i line ought to be completed to Hautapu ; that would tap a large tract of country. There were few people there at present, but a large population would settle there if the line were completed. The North Island Main, Trunk Railway would get the money intended for it. He must leave someone else to say where the balance was to come from, but if he remained in office he would try to carry out what he thought was required. He first referred to the completion of the Wellington section of the Hue ; then > there was the Eketahuna-Woodville section, which should be completed as soon as funds allowed ; after that they would have to purchase the ! Manawatu Railway. He did not believe it was wise that, with increased population, individuals should reap*" the benefit of the public works which would eventuate - if the present policy was continued. It was necessary to complete the Midland Railway from Springfield to Jackson's. It was a railway for tourist traffic, and as national a

work as the Sotorua Railway. Unless they did this they stood in their own light. Then there was the Otago Central Railway j that should be completed to the point recommended by tho committee. . He might before long have the pleasure in the South Island of opening that most necessary railway the Seaward Bush line, which should be completed. He had taken his audience into the confidence of the Government, for he did not think the Government should keep their intentions from the people.— Press Association.