SANDON TRAM EXTENSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1071, 4 March 1913, Page 4

SANDON TRAM EXTENSION.

A SETTLER'S VIEWS.

Mr Benjamin Gray, of Taikorea, writes as follows to our Palmerston evening contemporary: — “A short time ago the Minister of Railways paid a visit to this district to make an inspection of the Saudon and Carnarvon tram, and traversed the line from Foxton to Marton. A deputation waited on the hon. gentleman with the object, I believe, to allow the county to extend the tram to Greatford or Marton, but no doubt the whole of the community are in favour of the tram being connected at Marton. Now, sir, this appears to have stirred a nest of hornets in 'Palmerston North. I think that Palmerston is taking a very selfish view of the matter. It appears that Palmerston does not care a bit what expense and inconvenience the settlers in this district are put to as long as Palmerston gains its point. When I say Palmerston I would withdraw that word, as I do not know whether it is the bulk of Palmerston North or only a few of the citizens of that town that are making the big stir. Ido not know whether the members of the Chamber of Commerce are the leading tradespeople of Palmerston North or not, but it appears to me that it is that body that is making the stir. Now, sir, what are they afraid of ? Are they afraid if the tram is connected with the Main Trunk line they are going to lose trade ? If so, they are making a big mistake, for I think that it would mean more business for Palmerston North. I think that town must admit that the existing tram up to the present has benefited Palmerston, and it has also been a great convenience to the settlers here, and also to other inland towns.

“Now, sir, suppose Palmerston succeeds in blocking the connection we ask for, what do they gain ? They gain nothing, but what do we lose ? We lose a great deal, for it means this : That anything we require in the shape of timber we have to pay about 40 miles more railage than we would do it we got the proposed connection. Our district is a large district and is without timber for fencing purposes or building purposes, while very soon we will have no firewood; A large proportion of the district at present has not even firewood.

“I’m surprised, sir, when we ask this small favour that Palmerston should turn round and propose that the Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, and goodness knows where else should roll up next month to try and crush us. Are we such a powerful community that Palmerston should need the assistance of Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay to put us down ? Why didn’t they extend to Gisborne or even the East Cape ? Why, sir. I can't understand you. I’ve known Palmerston since she was a baby and packed food through the bush in the early days to help teed them. When I say the early days, I mean about forty-three years ago, and for many years I have done practically the whole of my business in that town, and they must admit that they get from this district a very big cheque every mouth, and when we ask a small concession from the Government of the country (I say a small concession; I mean our rights) Palmerston turns round and says you must ask us, for we’re afraid you arc going to take from us the Auckland express. Now, sir, we never asked for the Auckland express or anything of the kind, and neither do we expect such a thing. “If we want help we can cooperate with other districts, and I’m sure that other districts would come to our assistance. Why goodness me there’s Foxtou and Sanson, Bulltown, Marton, Hunterville and Taihape, and I’m sure Auckland would not refuse to come to our aid, or even Wellington, though, I think, the latter has too much sense to interfere over such a frivolous matter as to try and prevent ft cpmmunitj from having what they are prepared to pay for. In conclusion, sir, I might state that we are not quite asleep, or if we were dosing we are about to wake up. Now, suppose Palmerston succeeded, she would gain nothing, but I think she would lose a great deal. To show what convenience the connection would mean even at the present time with regard to fat stock, you are aware that there is a freezing works in Wanganui, and when this district sends fat lambs and sheep they could be in Wangatfui the -day they left the farm, but to prevent us doing that we have to drive to Himatangi and truck them there and rail them through- Palmerston North, via Feilding, when they could be trucked at Whale Line or Rougotea and reach Wanganui the same night. But your Chambers of Commerce say NO ; we like to see prime lambs going through our township.”