Levin-Greatford Railway.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3551, 25 July 1905, Page 2

Levin-Greatford Railway.

PA RLI AM ENTARY VISIT,

PREPARATIONS FOR £OCAL ENTERtAiH^ENT,

A number of citizens met yesterday | at the Borough -Chambers for a conference with Mr J. Vi If, M.'IJ.R., and i Mr R. B. McKenzie, who is ddting as general secretary in connection with tlul visit on Monday next of the Parliamentary party Who intend to inspect the proposed fotlte of the LevinGreatford railway on that day.- There were present the Mayor (Air R. G. Gower; in the chair). Messrs G. Nye, A. E. Shadbolt, R.- Moore, P. Hennessy, A. Speirs, G. A. Simpson, 1. Easton, G. Coley, Aif. Fraser, in addition to Messrs Vile and McKenzie. The Mayor briefly introduced the business, and asked Mr Vile to explain what had been done by him. Mr Vile said he had done all he could to got as many members of the House as possible, Including members of the Parliamentary committee which last year heard the deputation that waited upon it. He was in hopes that the Hon. W. Hall-Joncs, Minister for Public Works, would accompany the party, but owing to pressure of business there was some doubt on this point. Mr Coley said they wanted, when they had the members present, to bring several other matters under (heir notice, such as the need for wharf extension, beach railway, etc. If the members lett early next morning they would not be able to do this. Mr Hennessy pointed out that the party was coming here for a special purpose, and though it would be well to have them see other things here it would be well not to lose sight of the main object. Mr Vile said it would'of course be well to show the members all round when they were here if time permitted.

Mr Speirs urged the point that the "completion of the Levin-Greafford connection would be a great assistance to the main trunk line, and it would also afford a duplicate railway if traffic was too heavy for one. Mr Vile said he would not care to nress that argument, as the Manawatu Railway Company was entitled to justice/ The visit-of the party inspecting the new route might,' however, set the company thin king'd vcr the question of selling its line.

Mr Speirs did not look upon his suggestion as a threat. The fact was simplv brought forward that a new line could be built, and at less cost than the present line could be purchased.

Mr Vile agreed that this was so-

Mt Speirs, continuing, said Foxton people ot present had not dir ct communication with a large and important district, and they were justified in claiming it now. It was not incuru bent on them to studv the company. Mr McKenzie detailed steps taken in arranging for the visit. Mr Hennessy thought it would be unwise to do anything that would arouse opposition on the part of Ihe Manawatu Railway Ccmpanv, which had rendered a great service to (he whole of the west coast by constructing a railway. Mr Vile said he had no doubt that sooner or later this new line was sure to come. The necessity for a shorte" route on the completion of the main trunk line was recognised on all hands, and he believed through mail trains would run this way very shortly after the trunk line was finished. The present line would serve to carry extra, traffic. The Mayor mentioned that Levin people were interesting themselves in this matter, and Mr McKenzie replied that they were being invited to take part. Some further desultory discussion followed, and several new members were elected to the general committee. Messrs Fraser, Colev, Hennessv. Shoe] bolt, and Soeirs were appointed a subcommittee to a range for catering tor the smoke concert and the meeting adjourned.