LEVIN-MARTON RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2905, 4 July 1925, Page 3

LEVIN-MARTON RAILWAY LEAGUE.

QUESTION OF POLITICAL

PRESSURE.

HELD OVER IN THE MEANTIME,

Under the chairmanship of Air. J. Chrystnll, Messrs. T. W. Winstanley (Foxton Chamber of Commerce), CVS. Keedwell (Levin Borough Couhcil), A. C. Holms (secretary), K. Aitken, F. E. Parker, F. G. Roe (Levin Borough Council), were present nt Wednesday’s meeting of the Levin-Foxton-Alarton Railway League, held in Levin (says the Chronicle). Messrs. Perreau (Foxton) and Alatheson tendered apologies for non-attendance. WASTE AT PALMERSTON. The chief' business of the meeting was the consideration of the following notice of motion: — “That this League is deeply disappointed to learn that it is the intention of the Government to waste a large sum of money at Palmerston North, in constructing a deviation line of railway. Also, the League considers that the British Railway Commissioners did not have sufficient time at their disposal to examine the merits of the Levin-Foxton-Marton link line, and respectively requests that this proposi--tion be analysed by the Public Works Department and Railway Board, as simplifying the speedingup process of travelling, by a saving of 19 miles; and examined also from an economic point of view. Further, the League regrets that it does not possess any direct representation in Parliament from the Manawatu district, to oppose the contemplated waste of money at Palmerston North, and is impressed with the necessity of finding another candidate, who if successful, will, in Parliament, take a stalesmanlike view of this matter, as being of national importance, thereby endeavouring to secure justice to the people.” LOCAL BODIES BAULK AT POLITICAL ACTION. The notice of motion had been submitted to the various local bodies interested and the following correspondence was received in regard to it. The Horowhenua County Council advised that the matter had been duly considered by the Council, and that they were in agreement, thereto, insofar as the economic point of view was concerned, but it could not entertain the political views contained therein. Similar approval was given by the Levin Borough Council, and the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, the former suggesting that the words “to waste a large sum of money in Palmerston North” ought to read “incur unjustifiable expenditure.” The Levin Chamber of Commerce notified the League that the Chamber appreciated the League’s action, and had no hesitation in giving them a free hand in the matter.

The Foxton Borough Council supported the League’s efforts to have the proposal submitted to the Railway Board, and flic Public Works Department, to be examined "both from a practical as well as an economic viewpoint.

“TIME NOT OPPORTUNE” SAYS RAILWAY BOARD.

Mr. Linklater, in a letter to the League, said he had interviewed the chairman of the Railway Board, who said the Board had considered the proposal from every angle, and had come to the- conclusion that the time was not opportune to proceed with this work. The chairman (Mr Chrystall) remarked that the motion had been adopted by practically all the local bodies interested, with the exception of the latter clause relating to the political aspect of the case. In view of the local bodies’ attitude towards it, he considered that the matter : of direct poetical action should be with-held in the mean, time, pending replies being received from the members of Parliament in, terested as to their position. The President then proceeded to outline the following motion: That this League, representing 75 per cent, of the people living in the Manawatu Electorate, also a considerable section of the Otaki and Rangitikei electorates, communicate with Messrs J. Linklater, W. H. Field, W, S. Glenn, M.’s.P., requesting them to use their influence in Parliament in urging the prior claim of the League for the construction of the Levin-Foxton-Mar-ton Kailway League line. Also, that they strenuously oppose the proposed unjustifiable expenditure on the Palmerston North deviation thereby diverting capital into a profitable channel and securing practically a free gift to the Dominion, in addition to providing a duplication of portion of the Main Trunk Line.” MEMBER FOR MANAWATU’S POSITION. Mr Roe said he had agreed to second the motion.* The statement had been made by Mr J* A. Nash, member, for Palmerston, that he was prepared to support the LevinMarton link when the Palmerston deviation was through. They should not let this movement drop, but go on with it for all they were woi'th. If a private company was running the railways of this country it would not let 24 hours go by without commencing the construction of this line. As far as the member for Manawatu was concerned he was a very fine fellow, but there was a feeling that he was not heart and soul with the League. The President suggested that the second clause of the original motion

lie left till a reply was received from Mr Linklater.

Air Parker: The other portion (the part of the resolution) is definite. The latter part is an opinion, and only suggests ail action, but does not define an Action. Confine the motion to that other part and I don’t think any local body would take exception to it. Air Field should be included in this motion, because he represents the outer area round Levin which is just as much interested as we are. He has shown very clearly that he is in sympathy with this deviation in preference to the Palmerston North deviation. I don’t think we have received such a clear indication from the member for Alanawatu.

Air Holms said Air Glenn, as member for Rangitikei was just as much interested as the other members. He mentioned the Levin Borough Council’s objection to the word “waste,” and the proposed substitution of .the words “unjustifiable expense.” The Chairman: I like the term “waste” because it definitely describes what is taking place at Palmerston. Air Parker: The motion is still a strong one. The chairman’s amended motion was then put ivp and carried. RESIGNATION OF VICEPRESIDENT. ' The following letter to the secretary was received from Air Alatheson: “Referring to the position of vice-president to your League, while I apreeiate the sincerity of your remarks, I stated at the annual meeting that I could not see my way clear to accept this position. You will remember that at the first conference held in Foxton I definitely stated the conditions under which I would remain a member of the executive, and if the people who should have shown the most interest in this movement, had shown towards the League’s work, 1 would have been prepared to carry on. I therefore regret I cannot alter my decision. I wish the League eveyr success in their future efforts.”

The secretary explained that he had taken it that Air Alatheson had accepted office as a vice-president, and the letter was the result of discussing the matter with him. Air Alatheson was quite, willing to act on the Executive, and his remarks did not refer to anyone now in the movement.

The President moved that Mr .ALitheson’s resignation from vicepresident he received with regret. He thought they should place on record liis valuable services of which thov were all aware.

Air Roe seconded the motion, and referred to the enormous amount of work done by Air. Alatheson. The secretary added that Air. Alatheson, like other members of the Executive, felt disappointment as to the lack of practical backing in certain influential quarters, and on the par) of two or three constituent. bodies ot the northern end whose silence of course had only the merit, possibly, of giving consent. The principal local bodies—county and borough—also the Levin and Foxton Chambers of Commerce, had displayed sustained enthusiasm.

The motion was carried. Discussion took place on a suggestion that the vacancy be filled from the Alarton end of the district, but the chairman said lie thought a Levin member should be appointed as Alarton already had a vice-presi-dent and the speaker representing Fort on, was President. On the motion of Alessrs. Win'stanley and Holds, Mr Keedwell was elected vice-president, members eulogising the interest lie had taken in the link line.

In accepting office, Mr Keedwell said lie trusted they would be able to increase interest in the Link outside their own centres. There were large areas that it should be possible to wake up to the possibilities of the proposition. FINANCE. The chairman reported that there was a credit balance of £7 12s in hand. The Treasurer’s statement showed that the League had received donations from constituent bodies totalling £33 ss, and individual members £37 10s Gd, a gross total of £7O 15s Gd. The expenditure had totalled £65 lGs, thus leaving £4 10s Gd in hand. With additional revenue in the form of promised donations —£212 s Gd —the balance of assets over liabilities would be £7 12s. FURTHER PUBLICITY. The chairman said the most urgent need was the issue of a pamphlet setting out the arguments for the Link. In view of the need for impressing members of Parliament and the possibility of an election at any time, some steps should be taken in this direction without delav. He suggested that an extra two hundred copies of the Horowhenua Review be printed with a map of the district on the title page. Mr Parker: The map should show every factory, town and road but instead of being on the title page the map should be loose so that it might be hung on the wall. Mr Holms: I think more attention will be directed towards the scheme now that Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay are taking an interest in the Railways. Mr Parker asked the chairman as to the immediate objective. Was it not too late to prevent the expenditure at Palmerston? The chairman: We want to switch the minds of members of Parliament off the expenditure at Palmerston. What is the delay

there over. There seems some reason for it. ATr Parker: Is it sanctioned? The chairman : The position is that it has been going to start at any time within the last five years and it is still not started. The Authorisation Bill was sanctioned three years ago, and it was on the Appropriation Bill last session. Air Parker: Do you think it possible that the deviation might be cancelled? The President: I do. The question then arose as to :he nproximatc cost of printing the map similar to the one printed some time ago. After further discussion of the printing of the map, the chairman moved that they endeavour to have a map, with concise statements printed on it, and supplied to members of Parliament. Air Roe seconded the motion, and it was carried, details bein' ‘ '’i to the local members. NEXT AIEETING AT AIARTOX. Air Holms suggested that the next meeting of the League be bold at Marlon. —Carried.