MARTON-LEVIN RAILWAY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9391, 10 March 1909, Page 5

MARTON-LEVIN RAILWAY.

CONFERENCE AT FOXTON.

A conference called by FoxtonOhamber'of Commerce was held at Foxtou yesterday. There were present: Messrs Newman, M.P., Parnell, Brice, Bush and Ladiey (Marton Chamber of Commerce), J. G. Wilson and K. :B\ McKenzie (Manawatu uounty Council), Hennessy, Moore, Phillips, Hornbiow, Walker, Parreau, Stiles, Frankland, and Rev. Howard (Foxtcu Chamber of Commerce).# Mr Heunessy stated -the objects in calling the conference, and read an apology from Mr Feilti, M.P., also from Mr Gardner, Mayor of Levin, who cordially supported the movement.

Mr Newman read a letter from Hon. R. McKenzie, Wellington, stating that no provision had been made in the estimates for the survey* of the line from Levin to Marton. Mr Pnruell pointed out that Marton thought a conference would strengthen Mr Newman’s hand in getting a trial survey. Mr McKenzie gave a lengthy report.of the Sand on tram and showed the advantage of extending the line to Bulls, thence to Marton. Mr J. G. Wilson also pointed out that ballast was also becoming a serious item with the Government, and they would require more gravel pits. The linking up of the line would help this, as there was an unlimited supply in the Raugitikei river.

It was proposed by Mr Purnell, and seconded ly Mr Fankland, ‘ ‘ That this meeting, representing the Chambers of Commerce and the local bodies interested between Marton and Levin, being very strongly of the opinion that the present time is opportune for the construction ol the proposed Martou-Leviu railway, urges the Government to carry cut with as little delay as possible the promise of a trial survey contained in the last Public Works Statement, and confirmed verbally hv the Premier to a deputation who waited upon him on the 23cd September last.”

“ That Mr Newman, M.P., be requested to present tins resolution to the Minister for Public Works, and also to urge for a favourable reply and that a committee of this meeting be appointed to act with Messrs Newman and Field, M.P.” Also that the following be elected sub-commiteea to act with the above committee Messrs E. Newman, and Field, M’s.P., Mayors of Marton, Foxton and Levin, Chairmen of the Mauawatn, Rangitikei and Horowhenua County Councils; Chairmen of Bulls and Rongotea Town Boards, Marton, Foxton and Levin Chambers of Commerce.”— Carried. Proposed by Mr Hennessy, seconded by Mr Brice, “That Mr Newman immediately invite the Premier and the Minister for Railways to take a motor trip from Levin to Marton, via Foxton, Sandon and Bulls.—Carried. Proposed by Mr Bush, seconded by Mr McKenzie, “That a committee be appointed in each district to help the general committee, consisting cf the Chambers of Commerce and Farmers’ Union.’’—Carried. Mr Wilson moved a vote of thanks to the ohair. Mr Hennessy replied and thanked all the visitors.