The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, July 24, 1909. LEVIN-GREATFORD RAILWAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 464, 24 July 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, July 24, 1909. LEVIN-GREATFORD RAILWAY.

A deputation, consisting of representative men from Napier, Hastings, Wairarapa, and Palmerston, waited upon the Minister for Railways at Wellington last Thursday. After setting forth their numerous requests for railway reform, the deputation ventured the opinion that the “Levin-GreatfOrd deviation is not necessary!” The Minister, the Hon. Mr Millar, in replying, did not give the deputation much satisfaction, but is reported to have ended up by stating that “he was very glad to see that the deputation opposed the LevinGreatford extension.” Perhaps that was a consolation pill to the disappointed deputies. Anyhow, we have nb doubt that when the “other” representative deputation enlightens the Minister on the paramount importance to the whole Dominion of the LevinGreatford connecting link of the Main Trunk Line, he will give a different answer, and perhaps end up by saying: “I am so pleased to know that you are not in favour of all those multidinous requests made by the other fellows!”

Apropos of the Levin-Greatford connecting link of the Main Trunk Line, the Levin Chronicle says in its issue of yesterday : “It is incumbent, not only on the Borough Council, but also on the County Council and other local bodies to unceasingly urge the building of this line, and all the argument is on their side. This deviation, by shortening the route of the through journey, thereby saving time and expense to the public, is not merely a local matter, but one of concern to the whole Dominion. No matter how necessary, or useful, or urgent a public work is, however, it has to be agitated for. The Government always has been, and always will be, dragged this way and that for public expenditure, so that to make our just claims recognised we have to be very insistent. In season and out of season we Would like to see the Levin-Greatford railway advocated, and every effort should be made to have the proposal influentially supported. In the absence of the Prime Minister from the Dominion little action of a practical or definite nature can be suggested, and yet a good deal could, and should, be done. A plan of campaign could be got ready and concerted action organised in anti' cipation of his return and of the meeting of Parliament. A railway league should be formed to urge the subject, and the County Councils and other influential bodies, as far North as Auckland, should be circularised and their co-operation invited. We trust that immediate action will be taken in the direction indicated.” To all of which we say Amen!