WHARF AND RAID WAY COMMISSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1504, 1 February 1916, Page 2

WHARF AND RAID WAY COMMISSION.

Commenting on the proposed Royal Commission to deal with the Foxton wharf settlement, and the linking up of the Main Trunk Line between Marton and Levin, the Feildtng Star says : —“Whilst we are in entire sympathy with the Foxton folks in their desire to control their own wharf and reap all the benefits the district gives for the making of a uefficlent harbour, we must confess that we do not like the triangular way the Government has gone about getting a settlement of the question. The issue was simple: settle a longstanding greed of the Railway Department for the profits of a wharf. A little arbitration should give the wharf over to the proper authority—the Foxton Harbour Board. Instead of going at the problem straightly, the Government has arranged a Royal Commission with an order big enough to keep it going for a year: (1) the wharf question, (2) the deviation of the railway line from Levin to Marton, and (3) the extension .of the Sandon tramway to Greatford. The Marton Advocate says the project “ Is one that concerns the whole West Coast from say, Halcombe to the North Cape ; it might even favour freights and fares as far south as Feilding.” Fancy that, now ! And the Foxton Herald, looking for trouble (if not scenting it afar off) “ warns the district to be alive to Palmerston’s opposition and to scotch it. Not only must the immediate districts arouse themselves, but every town between

Auckland and Wellington should be circularised and their sympathy and support obtained.” We are not taking the triangular duel seriously. The three shots with which the Commission is loaded will no doubt do the work expected of them—kill the three issues. It is an extravagant Commission, anyway, whilst the war is on. At the same time. Fielding must watch developments with an intelligent interest and with a vigilance that will not take even a Royal Commission’s verdict for granted.”