TRACK OVER THE RANGE

Shannon News, 27 September 1921, Page 3

TRACK OVER THE RANGE

PROPOSAL ADVANCED ANOTHER - STAGE. ■

The Levin Chamber oL Commerce at last meeting opened the question of the desirability of having a track made over the ranges* to give connection between Levin and the Eketahuna district. The move on the part of the . Chamber, was the subject of a. letter of congratulation from the Foxton Chamber, which was read at last night’s meeting of the Levin body as follows: “I am directed by my Chamber to congratulate, your Chamber on its efforts to arouse public interest in connecting the Wairarapa and this coast by the formation of 1 a track over the rangesbetween Levin and Eketahuna. This matter was discussed at length at last night’s meeting, and it was decided to render your Chamber any assistance in our . power to bring tips important work of so much vital importance to this coast to a, successful consum'mation. 4 ’ Mr F. G. Roe stated that- it iwas seven or eight years ago since this matter had first cropped up. From the end of Gladstone Road to the Mangahao was four and a,-half miles, and from the Eketahuna end to Mangahao three and a-half miles. He thought it. was an important, thing to Levin and this coast, if a road could be put through, as' it was- expected that large quantities of stock would be sent over from Wairarapa. Ihe grade from Gladstone Road to ihe Mangahao was good, and would present- no difficulties. Mr Roe vtont on to say that Mr Smart was willing to arrange a party to go over the route about. February next. He suggested that the Chamber should ask the Eketahuna Chamber to send a party" from that end and meet at. the Mangahao to discuss the matter. Mr Roe considered that the opportunity should not be lost of arranging the party to go over, as the opening of the track would be a- good thing for Levin in many ways.

Mr A. Dempsey said there was a lot of agitation about this road at the time of the former Chamber of Commerce. A party had arranged to go over the route, but bad weather had prevented if going on the day arranged, and the proposal fell through.

Mr R’oe stated that a settler had been met down in the vicinity of the Gladstone Road. He stated that he had come from Mangahao, and the grade of the track was good.

Mr A. C. Holms said, as the outlet. on the Wairarapa or Bush side would J. be between Eketahuna * and Pahiatua, Pahiatua would also be interested; also the Tararua Power Board. Both these < bodies should be communicated with*

In reply to Mr J. W. Rimmer. the secretary stated that the Levin Chamber was in communication with the Eketahuna Chamber on this matter, and a further reply was expected. Mr .Rimmer said that being the case, he would move that the question be held over pending further information from Eketahuna. This was earned.