The Beach Railway.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3510, 15 April 1905, Page 2

The Beach Railway.

PUBLIC MEETING. RESOLUTION supporting THE PROJECT. The Public Hall was last evening tilled will) an enthusiastic and representative audience on the occasion of the public meeting convened' by; the Mayor (Mr G. A. Simpson) to consider matters affecting the proposal on foot to secure the construction of a line, of railway to the beach from Foxton. Among those present, it was pleasing to note, were several ladies, who foU lowed the proceedings with keen intercet)

The Mayor presided, and was supported on the stage by Mr J. A. Nash, president of the Palmerston North Chatnbdr of Commerce, Crs G. Stiles, B. Gower, and S. H. Baker, and Mr F. Frankland, In his introductory remarks the Mayor said that in supporting this pro* ject residents would be helping themselves and the people up country. Many went from the inland towns to Plimmerton ; but Foxton beach was far ahead of that at Plimmerton. The Government was only being asked to do now what tile people had practically a right to expect. Money was spent on sanatoria and scenery resorts in other parts of the colony, and surely, he thought the matter of £6OOO or /7000 which this line would involve Was a small enough item to be easily provided for. It was not desirable that this matter should, end like an attempt made some years ago to obtain the construction of the main line from Levin to Greatford by way of Foxton instead of:by the present route. That was deteated by want of interest among some of the then resi(| dents of Foxton.

At this point Messrs Bradcock and Hennessy rose in protest against the chairman’s reference to old residents. The Chairman, continuing his remark', said that Foxton people at that time talked about a petition; but it never reached Wellington, and there were, he was credibly informed, people in Foxton then who had refused to sign the petition to secure the- main line lining constructed via this town.

Mr Hradcock rose again amidst cries of “ sit down,” “ chuck him out,” etc., avid when his remarks became audible they resolved themselves into a re* quest for names. The Chairman, after some hesitation, gave two names. Continuing his remarks he urged the people of the town and district to show a wholesouled interest in the matter now under consideration. Ail should sign the petition so as to strengthen the hands of representatives sent to interview the Ministers, He had much pleasure m calling upon Mr Nash to speak on the subject. (Applause.) Mr Nash expressed his pleasure in addressing those present, particularly as there were many interests to connect him with k the place. He would never forget Foxton as being his birthplace—that spot which no man should forget. He had not anticipated making a speech ; but he was pleased to see such a representative meeting. Mr Nash said he had read in the press that some people had refused to sign the petition now being circulated ; but he did not know if this were true. At any rate he hoped it was not so. The bogey of expense need not frighten people, as tha line if built would not cost a penny of special funds. Those who were promoting the agitation urged that the Government should build the railway out of ordinary moneys. The people of the Manawatu 'vad suffered for very many years from want of a good watering place. Those who could afford it went to Plimraer* ton ; but here, close at hand, was one of the best in the colony. He did not intend to weary his hearers by going over ground he had already traversed at meetings elsewhere. They all knew the benefits that must accrue from the construction of the line. The main thing now was to lose no time. Mr Nash said he must disagree with a statement made by the chairman that Foxton would not benefit greatly. They should remember that the building of houses at the sanatorium would attract many visitors. Then regarding a question as to where returns were to come from to make the line pay, they must not consider (he proposed branch only. They must remember the increased number of travellers by rail over I he lines of approach, and duly accredit the number of tickets whose issue would lie brought about by the existence of the beach line. He believed that an amount sufficient to cover interest on the money required would bo gathered from school excursions to the seaside: from Palmerston North alone. Palmerston and other towns, Mr Nash admitted, would reap benefits, but the principal good resulting from the line would fall to Foxton’s share. He instanced the case of Selwyn, 25 miles from Christ* church, ware houses were erected on domain leases and largely patronised by visitors in spite of the fact that no railway was available ; in fact many preferred it to Sumner and New Brighton. There must be attractions, and here at the Manawatu Heads there were splendid oppprtunities for fishing and shooting, and a fine beach. There was, in fact, everything excursionists could want, and in the matter of accessibility the Foxton

innate. nnm and beach shomd lankj supremely best. A day or two ago Mr Armstrong, of Palmerston, a ; c-enlleman who was taking a great 'interest in the mailer, bad inspected the route oft lie line, and as a result bad prepared the following estimate-; of costs Estimated cost ' ef ?cnai fueling a rail- ' wav from a point near Mr Robinson's to the Hoads. There are two routes available, the distance by cadi being almost identical. The length of railway required, including sidings, can bo taken at Shrcc miles. The cost would lie, approximately : Prelinvnnry £ £ Preliminary surveys ... 7-> Cost of land and surveys . - 120 Formation 240 chains at 40s 480 Cillveriing and drains ..70 Permanent way— Material ; .It! b rails, 240 tons, at £lO .. .. 2010 Fastenings,, 35 tons at £2O. 700 Sleepers 7920 at 0s 9tl .. 143 d Ballast, 0000 cubic yaids at 4s, 25ytls to chain .. 1200 LabourLaying and fastening rails, 52801. yards at (id .. 192 Filling, ballast, 0000 yards at Gd .. .. ■• 150 Unloading, pulling and lifting line, 0000 yards at 4d ~ A .. 100 Handling material, 300 tons at Is Id .. ... 22 Laying ard bo ing sleepers, at9s per 100 ~ ... 35 Points and crossings (p r set)— Material, labour, sleepers, £33 per set, say 5 sets 101 IGS 7375 Contingencies, 5 per cent ■« 309 Total £7744 This is exclusive of platforms, station buildings, telephone lines, and fencing (if any). In the face of this, Mr Nash asked, could the Government refuse the request. If the scheme were carried out sanatorium sections would soon be built upon. (Applause.) Palmerston North people were taking a keen interest in the matter, and everyone was doing his best. There were hundreds there who could not afford the expensive trip to Pliinmerton, but who wbiild be able to take their children to the Foxton beach at a minimum of expense it it were connected with the railway svstem. At any rate they could trv to obtain this. In conclusion Mr Nash urged that all signatures obtainable should be affixed to the petition in circulation, and strong representatives sent on the deputation to interview the Ministers. The speaker was warmly applauded on resuming his seat. Mr F. Frankland referred to a point of importance missed by Mr Nash, and that was the great contrast between what Foxton, after all the years of Us existence, is, and what it was destined by Nature to be. It had one of the best rivers on the coast, and why, he asked, should it not —being the port of the Manawatu—be quite as good a town as Wanganui or Palmerston ? He would not say that the construction of this particular line of railway was going to work this transformation in Foxton, but it would greatly assist towards that end, and when the opportunity to secure that much was practically thrust upon the community by the leading spirits of rival towns Foxton should rise to the occasion. It had a remarkably healthy climate, and no effort should be spared to bring its advantages within reach of every one. Mr Frankland considered it could be shown that not only would people secure mental and physicial benefits, but that the Government would, through the railways, be a monetary gainer. Mr Hei-mcssy in a few words gave a denial to the chairman’s accusation against old residents ot Foxton that they had blocked the building ot the main line of railway through it. The two gentleman whom be had named were never asked to sign a petition—the only thing they were requested to Subscribe to was a share list, and he did not think they should be saddled with the blame of blocking the line because they refused to sign that list. The Chairman replied that he warpositive as to his foots, and would write for particulars which he would have published on receipt to show his contention was correct. Cr S. H. Baker considered the building of the railway to the beach would bo an undoubted success. He looked forward to seeing industries started at or near Foxtm some day, and the line would then serve tactories as well as the pleasure resort. Foxton at present was very little known ; but, given more publicity, he felt sure its fine climate would attract leisured people to it as a place of residence if its attractions were brought within better reach. It the people did not ask for a railway it would not come on its own accord. Cr Stiles thought Foxton people should not lot it be said of them that they had allowed an outside place to beat them in enthusiasm on a subject of such great local importance. Cr Gower was terse and to the point in summing up Ins views. He said : “I can’t talk, but if it comes to work I’ll do mv share." Cr O. Austin referred to the opinions of several Palmerston residents who had visited Pliinmerton regularly for years, but bad gone to the Foxton ‘Heads this summer, They now spoke highly of the latter place, and preferred it lo New Plymouth and other resorts for iis beach. Two engineers whom he had consulted said the proposed railway should prove thoroughly profitable to'both the Government and the people. Bro Fox agreed with previous speakers as lo the future possibilities of Foxton. The thing now was to get this railway project in motion—they were not "there to discuss details of how many pounds of rails or yards of ballast were required. History showed the value of places and the services rendered by men. To-day New Zealand had a population of eight hun-

clrecl thousand. With its splendid equable climate the day would come, lie believed, when the fignrc'y would '.how oii'lh millions, and the historian of Dial day in 'recording the acts beneficial to lim ami _ Ih<; mindin’ would: Ik* hoped i be aI) In to vho'.v ikii ho.uon residents inul done (heir share in aiding in the general development. This railway would be a valuable aid, in that directum, he hau pleasure in moving: “That the proposed railway extension to tin: sanatorium ai the Manawatu Heads: has, in the present stage °1 the development or I'oxton, become an indispensable pre-requisite to the further advancement of its interests.’ The people should show the Government that in this matter they meant business.

Mr Frankland seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously and with appjause. Mr Alt'. Fraser moved a vote of thanks to Mr Nash for speaking and for the interest he hkd taken in the whole project. This was carried by acclamation, and a similar compliment was tendered to the chairman on Mr Nash’s motion. The meeting then terminated. TO Tim editor of the manawatu herald. Sir,—l was at the meeting last night in connection with the proposed railway to the beach, and was very pleased at the interest taken in it by people outside of Fcxtdn, and also a few Progressives here- But t had A doubt removed from my mind as to the reason Foxton did not go ahead like other towns. There always seems to be some OU6 or other trying to keep the town back, or they seem to he jealous of any one else who does try. I think the gentleman who took the (rouble to come and give us such an able address and took the trouble to get all the particulars he did, must have got a shock when an ex-Mayor got up and tried to defend the old order ol things. Would he like to go bad: to days of old? or is he trying to make his marble good for the next Mayoral election? And also, what must Mr Nash have thought when an ek-Councillor wanted to argue the point as to the length of the beach between the Manawatu and Rangitikei Rivers. I think in a case like this all should do their best and pul! together and then I don’t see why we should not go ahead instead of being a laughing stock for towns half our age. Thanking you for trespassing on your valuable space.—l am, etc,, CITIXI'N. TO Tim EDITOR OP THE MANAWATU HERALD. Sir, —There seemed to be a little misunderstanding at last night’s meet ing regarding the distance of the beach from 'Manawatu River to Rangitikei River. I have ridden it a hundred times when employed at Scott’s Ferry. Mr Thomas Scott told me it was 17 miles from river to river by beach. He himself travelled it on foot, carrying the mails before the coach days. Tbs late Mr John McKelvie also told me the same, and he had to drive his cattle along the beach and cross at the head?, on his way to Wellington, just opposite where (he fifhermen’s huts now stand. There were no roads in those days to or from Foxton, only a bridle track. Ah! that was the “ yore.” I may just here state that (he beach when the tide is out is chains wide and level as a billiard table. Talk about your Gordon Bennett Cap course! It’s not a patch upon the Manawatu and Rangitikei beach,— I am, etc., C.V.F.