MANAWATU RAILWAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3777, 12 November 1907, Page 3

MANAWATU RAILWAY.

To be taken over by Government. Among the many items in the Public Works Statement none, perhaps, are of such importance to this district as the statement that the Government is to acquire the Manawatu line. This they have had in view for many years past, but until the Main Trunk line is completed, the Government could afford to let the matter stand over. Much agitation has taken place urging the Government to acquire the line, but they did not think it necessary to “show their hand” until due time. The Minister says : “ As the North Island Main Trunk line is expected to be completed by the end of next year, it is desirable that the question of the purchase of the Wellington-Mana-watu railway should again receive attention, as, if it is decided to purchase in terms of the Railways Construction and Land Act, iBBx, it will be necessary to give twelve months’ notice to the company. Such notice should, therefore, be given at an early date if it is to mature before the Main Trunk line is finished. Having given the matter very careful consideration, the Government has decided to at once give notice to the company of its intention to take over the railway in twelve months’ time.” When all the preliminaries are settled, the question of still further shortening the distance between Wellington and Auckland, by the Foxton-Greatford route will, no doubt, be considered. This will mean a saving ot from one and three-qitartefs to {wo houp in the time, instead of running thp through trains to Palmerston as at present. However, we will have more to say on this subject in future issues.