LEVIN-GREATFORD RAILWAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2642, 6 October 1923, Page 3

LEVIN-GREATFORD RAILWAY.

Air F. G. Roe, writes as follows to (he Levin Chronicle in reference to the above: — “Sir. —I should like to say’ a few words in reference to a statement made by the General Alanager of Railways, Air AlcArilly, in reply to Air Homblow, president of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, when the Alinister of Railways, Air Coates. and General Alanager paid a visit to Foxton. Air AlcArilly stated the Levin-Greatford railway line was economically impracticable. “It. is hardly necessary for me to go into the whole details, but when the late Sir Julius Vogel borrowed some millions of money’ to construct the two main lines through both Islands, surveys were made from Wellington to Auckland, and the engineers in those days came along this coast as far as Levin, and branched off to Foxton and on (o Greatford. When the country foolishly handled over the line to (lie Alar.awatn Railway’ Company, it diverted the line to Longbum. It had to obtain permission from the County Council before the line could be diverted. Permission was given, but a clause was inserted that it should not interfere with the construction of the Levin-Greatford Railway. The construction of this line was raised some years ago during the late Premier. Air Seddon’s time. A syndicate was prepared to construct, the line, Imt the Government in those days would not allow private enterprise to entry out. the work. We have engineers’ reports of recent days that the work can be done for £600,000, would be, a payable line, and would save between 16 or 17 miles between Auckland and Wellington, also a great saving to tho country in. mhny ways agninst the present, route. I understand that the Government would not raise any objection to private enterprise laying down this line now. I think the time has come when this matter should lie gone into and see what can he done.”