The Proposed Railway.

Manawatu Herald, 7 September 1895, Page 3

The Proposed Railway.

Mr Donald Fraser, who was one of the deputation that interviewed the Premier in regard to the LevinGreatford Railway, writes a long letter to the Alerctiry on the advantages to be derived by the con* struction of the line, and gives it as his opinion that the Government should take the running powers, and for these reasons : — It saves 16 miles from Wellington to New Plymouth, thus lessening the expenses by 8s or 4g to every through pas*

senger and saving an hour in time, —a great consideration, also a corresponding saving to all settlers north of Greatford on their stock and produce which goes to Wellington. .... Although Foxton is the oldest settlement on this coast, and the inhabitants number some thousands, they have never had a bridge over the river. If this proposed line was constructed this longfelt Wfttlt WClild be supplied, as I understand the bridge vto»l* be bmlfc to suit both fail and traffic. Tne country from Levin to G-reatford nda" a considerable population, and it k capable of being tiiore than doubled j more particularly when such estates as the Moutoa and Carnarvon are cut up. Besides these there are many other estates which could be cut up, and are very suitable for small holdings of from 100 to 800 acres; everything points in this direction, hence the increased traffic and the necessity for increased accommodation. Saying nothing of the advantages of the 16 miles saved to all north of Greatford and all through passengers, there are nuraer* ous things that might be pointed out in favour of this line, and no doubt will be by abler heads than mine. I< do not believe in running the country into debt, but I venture to cay that this line when constructed, even if the Government had to take it over, would be a better asset than many things they have been or are likely to be Compelled td take* and I maintain that it is the duty of the dovernWeilt to give alt classes an equal advantage where it is possible to do so. . . . . I have spent over 50 years in this country, and 45 of them on this ddiMt, atid knoW the whdle of this laticl thoroughly* As an average practical fanner and judge of land, I again" say tile Government would be right in agreeing to this line being made. _____________________