LEVIN-FOXTON-GREATFORD RAILWAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 429, 27 August 1908, Page 2

LEVIN-FOXTON-GREAT-FORD RAILWAY.

The agitation for linking the main trunk railway by constructing the line between Levin and Greatlord, via Foxton, is growing apace. Levin has held a public meeting, and its borough council has indorsed a resolution urging that a large and representative deputation waif on the Minister for Railways pointing out the importance of shortening the journey from Wellington to Auckland, and the opening up of a large and fertile area of country. The majority of members of the House of Representatives are aware of the importance of this work, and the comparatively small cost it would entail, and the lack of engineering difficulties to be overcome. The subject now requires to be constantly stirred up. The local Borough Council has followed the lead set by the Levin people, and now the agitation has spread to Martou. At a meeting of the Marton Chamber of Commerce, held on Tuesday, the chairman (Mr Purnell) said the time had arrived for action. He said a committee had been appointed to collect data in connection with the proposal, and he explained the action taken by himself and others some four mouths ago. He gave the following reasons for agitating for the new line :—(i) That the construction of this line of railway would shorten the through journey from Auckland to Wellington by 15 miles, and by one hour in time. (2) That the line can be easily and cheaply constructed throughout almost in a direct line and by easy grades and curves. (3) That it would avoid the many steep grades and sharp curves on the south side of Greatford. (4) That the route contains some of the finest agricultural and pastoral laud in the Dominion, capable of further development. (5) That already about 18 miles of railway dealing solely with local traffic, is a profitable undertaking, it is quite safe to assume that the deviation when made available for both through and local traffic, will return handsome profits. (7) That its construction will bring Marton into direct communication with the port of Foxton and the Wharangi beach. (8) That it would bring Marton into touch with a prosperous and progressive portion of the Manawatu district by direct railway communication. (9) That it should bring Marton within a few hours’ railway journey of Wellington. (xo) That it would still further emphasise the importance of Marlon as one of the greatest railway centres of the North Island. (11) That as the Government in June, 1905, refused to allow this direct railway connection to be made by private enterprise, it is but fair and equitable that the Government should now construct this line, which its importance to district and the Dominion fully warrants. Continuing, Mr Purnell said that in 1895 four gentlemen approached the Government for permission to construct this line privately, but were refused. It was certainly a strong point in favour of the Government undertaking the work that a private syndicate was prepared to do, and make it pay. The local bodies of Marton had been luke-warm on tbe matter, but probably only wanted the proposal properly laid before them. It was resolved that the Chamber approve of steps being taken to form a railway line from Levin to Martou, and that the Marton Borough Council, Rangitikei County Council, Hunterville Town Board, and Taihape Borough Council be written to asking them for their sympathy and support.