LEVIN-MARTON RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2816, 27 November 1924, Page 2

LEVIN-MARTON RAILWAY LEAGUE.

GENERAL MEETING. The ordinary general meeting of the Levin-Mart on Railway Deviation League was held in the Town Hall supper-room, yesterday, presided over by Mr J. Chrystall (chairman). There were also present: Messrs J. Linklater and W. H. Field, Af.’sP., R, Bryant, R. J. Thompson, \Y. Adams, W. Trueman, Matlieson, C. S. Keedwell, F. G. Roe, Aitken, and Hudson (Levin). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Christie, Smith, Ross, Barber and Drew.

In welcoming members of the League, Mr Chrystall said the Government had acceded to their requests, and he paid tribute to the work done for the League by Messrs Linklater and Field, M.’sP. He also paid special tribute to members past and present, especially Mr R. D. McKenzie and Sir Jas. G. Wilson, Mr A. C. Holms (secretary), and Mr R. D. Matlieson. The campaign had been a very long one, dating back forty-five years. In 1879 Mr MacAndrew, then Minister of Public Works, had outlined the northern portion of the deviation, but this had not been gone on with. Still, members bad never been disheartened, and they were now hoping to mark tlie jubilee year of the campaign bv celebrating the completion of the proposed line. Mr Chrystall then moved, seconded by Mr W. Adams, that votes of thanks be accorded the Prime Minister, Minister of Public .Works and Railways, and Messrs Linklater, Field, and Glenn, M.’sP., for their helpful co-operation in connection with the League’s effort to obtain a survey and report on the proposed railway deviation, and arranging f„r the Royal Commission to visit the area; Commission to sit at Levin.—Carried. Messrs Linklater and Field, M.’sP. replied, giving the League the assurance of their assistance in any way. Mr Field briefly outlined the history of the campaign and spoke in a very hopeful strain for tin future. Mr Holms (secretary) then outlined decisions arrived at by the executive at a meeting recently held in Levin (details of which have already been published). ’flie recommendations as set out a cre adopted. Mr Chrystall pointed out that the meeting should confine itself to the collection of evidence to go before the Commissioners. He then read lengthy reports which were regardI as confidential. Mr Field said that points to be stressed in connection with the proposed deviation were the facts that the grades on the Palmerston N.Marton run were very bad, whereas between Levin and Marlon there would be no grades of any consequence. Another point was that it was desired to make the Auckland- \\ ellington run a daylight trip. This proposed deviation would greatly assisi in the shortening of running time. No trouble would be experienced with railway construction at Whirokino as the foundation was perfectly firm. Mr Chrystall pointed out that in connection with the Whirokino portion of the proposed line, there was only a very small stretch of swamp to be crossed and there was a big sandhill at one end and a gravel pit at the other. It was moved by Mr Matheson, seconded by Mr Hudson, that the executive prepare a comprehensive statement and appoint speakers to present the case for the League to the Commissioners. —Carried. The constitution, as drawn up by the secretary, was adopted. It was decided that the present executive (Alessx-s Matheson, Holms Drew and Ghystall) remain in olfiee. FINANCE. The question of finance was regarded as a serious question and aroused a good deal of discussion. Mr Chrystall said that the Manawatu County Council had had to foot the bill in the past and this was not altogether fair. Something would have to be done to raise money. The secretary should be remunerated for liis work. It was decided that the appeal as drawn up by the secretary, be approved, and an effort be made to raise .0500 as a fighting fund. Decided that a personal canvass be made in each centre for funds in the interim of holding public meetings. Decided that a copy of the League’s constitution be forwarded to all local bodies concerned, BASIS OF CONTRIBUTION. Air Holms moved, seconded by Mr Thompson, that the basis of contribution to the League be as follows: —County Councils £lO, Chambers of Commerce £5, Town Boards and Chambers of Commerce £2 10/-. , .. In moving the motion, Air Holm 3 said that lie wished to stress the fact that the basis of contribution as set out in.the motion, was purely a suggestion to local bodies, and in no way compulsory. Mr Hudson opposed the motion aiyl moved an amendment “that the matter of contribution from local bodies be left open.” Mr Keedwell seconded, and on going to the vote the motion was lost and the amendment carried.

At the conclusion of the general meeting an executive meeting was held, presided over by Mr Chrystall. It was decided that the secretary get in touch with the various local bodies interested in the proposed deviation and ask'them to appoint canvassers. ' • • Matters of a confidential nature were discussed and the meeting termiuated.