EAST COAST RAILWAY

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 130, 6 January 1939, Page 4

EAST COAST RAILWAY

EXTENSION TO OPOTIKI DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT In his capacity as Minister of Railways, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, who spent the New Year holidays in the Wliak,atane district, said that it was, unnecessary for him to point out the wonderful development that had accrued to the whole of the East Coast, from Wailii southwards, through theconstruction and operation of tlis railway.

The phenomenal growth of the dairy industry in the district during recentyears was proof of this, and showed how beneficial the railway had keen to farmers by making possible the carriage of elioap manures and providing facilities for the farmer to forward fiis products to the market.

The railway from Wailii to Tc.ncatua, unfortunately, like other development lines, was showing a loss on actual working. The Government recognises that this loss was compensated to some extent by additional revenue due to the general increase in> values. At- the same time he appealed to the people of the district to give their support to the railways and thus let the citizens of New Zealand see that, as an investment, the rail-

way was justified. 'The sum of £25,003 had been placed on the estimates last- year fer the purpose of extending the railway from Taneatua tot Opotiki. This, of course* was a- matter under the jurisdiction or the Minister cf Public Works, but- on completion of the- line his department would take over and operate l the hue.