FOXTON-SANSON TRAM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1010, 27 June 1911, Page 3

FOXTON-SANSON TRAM.

PROPOSED EXTENSION. MEETING AT MARTON. A meeting of the Committee set up some little time ago in connection with the proposed extension of the Foxton-Sanson tramway to Greatlord or Marton, was held at Marton on Saturday. There were present: Messrs R, E. Beckett (chairman), E. Newman, M.P., R. B. McKenzie, A. J. Gibbs, Wilds, C. B, Collins and Brice.

Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. G. Wilson, D. Fraser and J. E. Walker. The Chairman briefly outlined the steps already taken in connection with the proposed extension and said the meeting was called to discuss what steps should be taken in the future.

Mr McKenzie said the question of a through line from Devin to Marton had practically been abandoned by the Manawatu County Council and all they wanted now was permission to connect their tramline with the main line at Greatford or Marton. He referred at some length to the benefits of such an extension and traced the steps taken by his Council in the matter. Because the Minister for Railways had refused the permission asked for, he did not think they should stop fighting for it. His advice was, if they could not get what they wanted they should go down fighting. The question now was, what further steps should be taken. He thought meetings should be called in the different towns, and committees set up to get signatures of electors to petition to be presented to the Government. He believed there would be no trouble whatever in getting the electors right up to Ohakune to sign such petition. He moved that a petition be prepared for signature by all electors in the Manawatu, Rangitikei and surrounding electorates urging the Government to allow the Manawatu County to extend its tramway to Marton or Greatford.

Mr Collins seconded the motion, which, on being put to the meeting, was carried. It was further resolved that the Government be urged to give local bodies power to construct side lines, reserving the right to take same over if required, Mr Newman was asked to take charge of the second motion.