Levin-Greatford Railway.

Manawatu Herald, 31 August 1895, Page 2

Levin -Greatford Railway.

.The deputation which has been for several days trying to otftch |Ec Premier to hear their views on the Levin-Greatford Tramway managed to get an interview at half -past five on Thursday afternoon. Mr Wilson introduced the deputation consisting of Messrs Ransorue and Fraser representing the Manawatu County Council ; Messrs Williams, Perreau and Hennessy, Foxton, and Messrs Kebbell and Davies, the Horowhenua County Council. Mr Stevens accompanied the deputation to represent those interested on the Bulls side of the river. Mr Wilson said as the time was short he would leave the wishes of the deputation to be stated by gentlemen present, but pointed out that the desire of the people was unquestioned when such a large influential and representative deputation had tak^n the trouble to come down to place the views of the district before the Minister. The memorial shewed the interest taken for in a few days although the district was a large one, 722 signatures bad been received. Mr Han some gave the history of the tramway, how, if the Roads and Bridges construction Act had not broken down, the tramway would have been completed. .Speaking from an intimate knowledge of the district, he said that it would be of great service to the settlement of the district. The large estates would probably be cut up and he knew that all the land would be taken up. Mr Williams regretted that the deputation had come at a time when the Premier was so fully occupied. But if the Bank Bill was passed then the railway would immensely benefit the property belonging to the Bank of New Zealand near Foxton, as well as the Carnarvon Estate which also belonged to the same company. If the railway was made then the settlement of these estates would be greatly helped and would have also great effect upon the returns of the railway. Coal would be brought to Foxton and distributed to the varioui centres on the line. The deputation

was not asking for any money, bat only foi authority to make the line. The Sandon and Rangirikei people for the first time would have the advantage of a railway. Mr Perreau said in relation to the memorial it had been got up in tour days, although the district was a large one and he wished to emphasize the great disappointment it would be to the district if the Government did not give the necessary authority to build the line. The presidents believed the line would eventually come to Foxton, but they wished it at once. Mr Kebbell said that if the bridge waß built by the company over the Manawafcu river it would be suitable for combined traffic and people had been waiting for years for a bridge and this would give it them without any cost to the county. A white pine traffic would spring up, and do a great deal of good to tbe district. Mr Davies said he hoped the Government would meet the deputation. It would be of immense service to the district. The mere cost of gravel being taken for road purposes, would be a large consideration to the connty. The deputation asked for no land concessions, the district had been struggling for years and no advantage given to it, this would cost tbe Government nothing. He pointed out tbe representative character of the deputation, men on it had been in the district for 80 years, and he had been assured that a couple of shipments of white pine would be sent away at once if the line was open. Mr D. Fraser said if this line was made the Sandon people would be able to compete with the Canterbury people in grain and produce. The Premier said he was pleased to meet such a deputation, but he said in his opinion it was a great mistake to allow private companies to build lines of railway. The colony had already had sad experience with district railways, and if there was a large population- to spring up this company could demand a large price for their railway. The colony would require to buy tho Manawatu railway soon and this would be another company to deal with. He could not see where the proposed company could secure a profit unless it was by diverting traffic. He had had calculations made by officers of tha Department as to profit but they did not think they could be made and these officers on whom the Government must to a great extent rely were entirely against the Government giving any concessions to the local bodies. But that was his opinion, but in a large matter such as this the question would be brought up in Cabinet and it would be ; carefully considered by Ministers and a reply will be senton the matter. Mr Wilson said he felt sure the company would hand over V the railway to the Government if required at a valuation, and hoped in considering the question Ministers would keep, this in view. Afte| the deputation had thanked the Premier for receiving them they left.