Levin-Greatford Railway Deviation

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 26, 1 February 1937, Page 6

Levin-Greatford Railway Deviation

CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT FOXTON. At the monthly meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce the Mayor (Air, M. E. Perreau) reported that ho had received a number of communications from district residebts following on the Chamber’s recent suggestion that the Lcvin-Greatiord railway deviation question should be resuscitated, expressing approval und offering cooperation iu the movement. Personally, ho thought that the time whs most opportune for this matter to fie brought prominently before the Government. The Whirokino highway work would soon be completed as far as the employment of labour was concerned end the Government was desirous of placing men on productive works. No more worthwhile job could be cited in this district than the prosecution of the Levin-Greatford railway deviation and the right Government was in power to handle the situation. He thought that the Chamber should take the initiative in the matter and proceed with calling a conference of all interested forthwith to formulate a plan of action. The president (Mr. C. R. Tutty) wild that the saving in haulage by tho construction of tho deviation would be

enormous. It was computed that it cost £1 per milo to haul an express train. Nineteen miles in distance would be saved between Levin and M.artou and it was easy to see what that would mean in money aud time over a period of years. He also undeistood that mails for Wanganui from the south were being conveyed for the most part by service runs as this saved two hours aud gave a better service. The construction of the deviation would eliminate all difficulty in that connection. Then again the Alanawatu County Council was talking of closing its tram line which would mean a serious handicap to sctttlers. He agreed that the time was most opportune to proceed with an agitation.

Air. H. Osborne said that the deviation would prove the solution to Palmerston North’s congestion problem. Mr. J. Ross pointed out that it would bo necessary to take immediate action as the new Whirokino bridge would be under construction before long and if a decision to proceed with the work could be come to a saving could bo effected by making the new structure suitable for both road and rail traffic. It was stated that plans in this connection were already contemplated by the Government. It was decided to convene a meeting Of local body representatives and all others interested, to be held in the Town Hall supper room on February 18 at 2.30 p.m.