LEVIN-MARTON RAILWAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2807, 6 November 1924, Page 3

LEVIN-MARTON RAILWAY.

The agitation for linking up the Main Trunk line between Marton arid Levin dates back over a quarter of a century. The suggested route, engineering data, approximate cost of construction, saving in distance and time on the through run from Auckland to Wellington, has been, thrashed threadbare. The late Mr Seddon and his Ministers were cognisant of all the facts and admitted the connecting link would be carried out in the future; but refused to take action until isolated parts of the Dominion unserved by even decent road communication received attention. That policy has been followed, presumably, by other Ministers. The present Prime. Min - isler and Minister for Railways, have not at any time denied the advantages of linking up the two points and are familiar with the proposed route.

The consummation of this national work will come only when the agitation has the backing of public and commercial bodies throughout both Islands. That the Government is prepared to allow the Commission of experts to hear evidence and express an opinion on the subject, removes any suggestion of opposition. Should the Commission report favourably this will assist those interested in nationalising the agitation.

Mr A. C. Holms, president of the Levin Chamber of Commerce, writes as follows: — Sir, —I have noted with interest the report of proceedings at the last meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce. It is evident that the question of giving effect to the opportunity provided by the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, of carrying the ease for the Levin-Mnrton link into the “camp*’ <>f the British Railway Commissioners, is not being overlooked. The Minister had admitted the necessity for a survey and report, and Mr W. H. Field, M.P., has long since recognised the need, and pressed for same; now we are told that the Government is in possession of all the data desired. Tf such is the case, then it would be very helpful if the League executive could peruse the survey and report. A week or s"o ago I forwarded advice as to a basis for meeting the eost of an advertisement in the Dominion, therefore was naturally surprised to read that the Levin representatives were reported as being opposed to the proposal. It may be mentioned that the Horowhenua County Council at the outset of the recent campaign anent the Levin - Marton railway expressed a definite opinion favourable to judicious advertising. I suggested that information he obtained as to the revenue of the Foxton-Sanson tramway, the last balance-sheet in particular, as affording some indication of the volume of inter-district traffic. A communication was also drafted for the support of League executive, asking that Messrs Linklater, Glenn and Filed, M.’sP., make representations as to a trial survey being undertaken by the Public Works Department, in order that as much definite modern information as possible be made available for the consideration of the Commissioners. Tt. was also urged that our district members endeavour to arrange a trip over the present and proposed routes, this after a week’s silence as to executive action, following upon the Wellington visit, and Foxton meeting of the 17th ultimo. As your report of the Chamber meeting of the 30tli inst indicates inactivity on my part as an executive member of the League, this explanatory matter is tendered. As the Commissioners have visited the Wairarapa, and been deputationised, also beard' evidence from the advocates of other lines, I have felt some anxiety lest we should not be ready when the Levin-Marton turn came.