The Sanson-Carnarvon Tramway Extension.

Manawatu Herald, 14 July 1903, Page 2

The Sanson-Carnarvon Tramway Extension.

At the meeting of the Rongotea Branch of the Farmers’ Union, held on Thursday last, the chairman {Mr_ R. B. McKenzie) proposed, Thata committee be appointed to inquire into the best means for extension of the Sandon-Carnarvon tranway to connect with the main line of railway. The proposer said it was not intended to interfere with the ail ministration of the County Council in the matter, and speaking from experience, he knew that local authorities were always gla*d to receive a hint from ratepayers, and when they wished to carry out a scheme, to receive their backing. In the motion the question as to where the connection should be make was left undefined as ha deemed it would be best for the committee to report on the subject. The suggestion he was making was that the tramline should be extended from the present terminus at Rangitikei river, five miles to Greatford, or from Foxtoa to Levin, a distance of 12 mlies. It would be for the committee to recommend which connection shodld be advocated. It took two days to drive stock from Rongotea to Greatford, a. cause of Idas to farmers. By tramway from Rongotea to Wellington was 107 miles, whereas if there were a straight line it would be but 86. It appeared to him that It would be an immense benefit to the district if railway connection Were made at either end, not only to Manawatu, but a portion of the Bangitikei, and an indirect benefit to the people of the centre the connection was made, with whether it be Wellington or Wanganui. The speaker pointed oat that the best paying lines, namely the Wellington-Napier-New - Ply-* mouth, went through the most densely populated part of the country. He found from the New Zealand year book of 1902 that the greatest density was 110 per square mile, which was in the Wellington province. Canterbury with 90 was next. In the Manawatu there was about an average density, consequently it might fairiy be presumed that if the connections were made they would pay. Next was the district entitled to the necessary - expenditure from the State. The mileage of railways open in the South Island was 1395, while in the North Island where the population was larger there fore but 868 miles. The lines in the South coat £lO,912,198, and in the North Island £7,590,370, a difference of £3,312,825. In the Manawatu, besides contributing to the State lines they had built a line out of local rates, therefore Jie thought any request for railway connection such as he had indicated ought to be favourably considered by the Government. 'I he motion was adopted by the meeting. The committee met on Monday at Rongotea.—Advocate.