LEVIN-MARTON DEVIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2165, 19 August 1920, Page 3

LEVIN-MARTON DEVIATION.

DELEGATES VISIT WANGANUI

A specie, 1 meeting, of members of the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce avus held on Tuesday afternoon to consider the Levin-Alarlon deviation. Mr W. BroAvn presided over a small attendance. Air J, Walker, of the Levin-Mar-ton League, avus present at Hie meeting, and outlined the object of the league. He stated that a meeting of local * bodies bad recently been held in Sandon, and the deviation of the line from Levin to Marlon wa.s considered to be the best suggestion, and Avould shorten the journey by about 'an hour bet ween Marlon and Wellington. The cost of the deviation would he considerably less than the contemplated alterations at Palmerston by removing the station to the toAvn boundary. The deviation would pass along practically level country. if representative deputation had been taken to Wellington to in(endow Air Massey, and the Minister of Public Works, and a promise was' made that an inspect ion Avould he made on September 25th of the proposed route of the deviation. Tho League avus now desirous ot creating enthusiasm among local bodies interested along the coast. Air H. Ale.Maaaway said the facts in regard (o the line speak for themselves. Thev desired business men io look at the matter in a broad and national point of view, and whether it was desirable Ihe journey should e,3 shortened by 15 miles between (ho (wo terminals. Thus matter wa.reported on in 1896 by a commission. It was recommended then that, the time was not opportune. The speaker suggested that delegates should he sent to Marlon to meet the Minister mi September 25lii.

Mr Walker said tint! a large sum of money would probably be spent. Io relieve congestion at Palmerston, and it was a matter of Avhether it should he spent in removing the railway station, or in the deviation. it was decided to call a genera! meeting of the Chamber of Commerce fur Thursday evening, in the ■Borough Council Chambers, and invite representatiA'es of the Farmers’ Union to lie present to meet the delegates on their return from Stratford .■ — Gll roni cI e.