NEW RAILWAY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 51, 28 January 1938, Page 6

NEW RAILWAY.

PAEROA-POKENO LINK. FIRST SOD TURNED. Per Press Association. P AERO A, Jan. 27.' After completing a tour of the Thames electorate embracing the whole of Coromandel peninsula, Hon. R. Semple (Minister of Public Works) performed the ceremony of turning the first sod of the Paeroa-Pokeno railway, at Paeroq to-day. The line cuts almost straight across Hauraki Plains, joining Paeroa, which is the junction for the Thames, Bay of Plenty and_ Waikato railway system, with the Main Trunk. The Pokeno line saves 46 miles on the Taneatua route, making the third side of the triangle, Pokeno, Frankton and Paeroa. Agitation was commenced in 1908 and had been carried on sporadically since. In 1920 the line was authorised, but for several reasons construction was postponed. To-day Was a scene of enthusiasm. There were over 350 local body and# official guests, including Mr Wood, ' chief public works engineer, and Auckland railway officials. Speakers at the ceremony included Messrs J. Thorn, C. H. Burnett, and C. R. Petrie, M.P.’s, J. N. Massey (Franklin County chairman), and W. R. Fee (president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce). The Mayor of Paeroa (Mr AY.. Marshall) presented Mr Semple with a miniature silver spade. The Minister tossed the first sod into a wheelbarrow amid cheers.

Mr Semple announced definitely that no road competition would be allowed and stated that modern mechanical methods would be employed to shorten the time of construction.

The tine is estimated to cost £1,150.000, and 450 men will be employed. The department considers the line suitable for railcars and it is practically certain to run that form of service.