THE RAILWAY ROME

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 53, 6 July 1938, Page 2

THE RAILWAY ROME

STRONG OPOTIKI PROTJEST INLAND ROUTE DESIRED A ' special meeting of tbe Opotiki Railway League was held last night, the president Mr [A. Davies, presiding. The secretary, Mrs J. Parkinson read the minutes of the" previous meeting and inward correspondence was received. The Hon. W. Nash, in a. letter to the League, regretted that he could not visit Opotiki but said lie would give liis full assistance relative to railway connection for Opotiki. Telegrams and letters from Mr A. G. Hultquist were also read. Accounts as presented were passed for payment. Mr Davies explained the reason for calling the meeting and said it, was. reported that there was a likelihood of the railway to Opotiki coming nlong the Oliiwa harbour. The people of Opotiki never anticipated such :r ■route and he thought it jvas only a “red herring”. -He considered that if the line went through Ruatoki and Waimanai it was sure to pay its way. As far as the Oliiwa route was concerned there was nothing in its favour and the line would never pay. He considered the Opotiki people should strenuously object to the route going around the Oliiwa harbour. Mr S. Shalloon said the route jibing the Oliiwa harbour would only serve very poor country and would not open up the country. r J he railway should go inland where there was a big area of wonderfully, fertile country. In the event of the railway going to Whakatanc lie would like to know what the department would do \yith the line ‘to Taneatua. Opotiki should strongly object to the move, which appeared to he aimed at the blocking of the line to Opotiki. After further discussion Mr Davies proposed and Mr J. T. Merry seconded the following motion, which was carried unanimously :

This meeting of Opotiki County and Borough residents views with alariii the proposal to construct the section of the East Coast railway between "Whakatane and Oliiwa instead of continuing the railway from laneatua via Ruatoki. Waimana and Wai-ot-alii Valleys. We believe it to be an error of judgment to construct a railway along tin 1 coast when fertile lands should be traversed. We urge the Government to give effect to tbe promises previously made to continue tlio railway irom Taneatua to Opotiki. It was decided to telegraph the resolution to tlie Prime Minister and the member for Bay of Plenty.