The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1913. THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 75, 5 April 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1913. THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY.

The position at which we have arrived in connection with the Opunake Railway is that Parliament authorized last session the construction of a railway for the purpose of connecting Opunake with, the main line. The Commissioners appointed to inquire into the best method and route of railroading the area lying west of the main iine had previously recommended the construction of a line from Moturoa to Te Roti, with a branch to Kaponga, which would permit of futun extension to Stratford and Manaia. They recommended that Construction should be commenced simultaneously at Te Roti and Moturoa. We unhesitatingly assert that the whole of the south-west area including Kaponga, Kapuni, Manaia and Opunake, should have connection with the main line before a sod is turned at Moturoa, and our opinion is based on an estimate of the exports and imports of the southvest area compared with an estimate of the exports and imports of tiie area lying between Moturoa and Opunake. Without giving details, it will be quite apparent to all who have a knowledge of Taranaki that a comparison of the produce from the two districts indicated would show overwhelmingly in favour of tiie south-west area, both in point of total aggregate and at per acre. One fact stands out clearly in the report of the Commissioners, viz., that New Plymouth must soon enjoy seeing the exports of the province concentrating there, and this view is maintained by a very large majority. It .therefore equal’y follows that imports will he handled at the same place. Xo matter what regret arises in some quarters, the province of Taranaki is destined to see the Port of Patea become a thing of the past. In arriving at a decision concerning the route, the Minister for Public Works must keep in view the destiny of the province, and although the Stratford route may be a little more costly, a route connecting Mauaia and Opunake and Kaponga with the main line at Stratford, will undoubtedly provide the best conveniences to lire province as a whole. it would serve a larger area (not already well served) than any other route, and would effectively serve the whole of South Taranaki and relieve all main roads of heavy traffic. It would provide shorter mileage and easier grades to the Port of X’ew Plymouth, to the Waikato, the King Country, Main Trunk Hailway, Tangarakan coalfields, the Mt. Egrnont road metal, and the expense and inconvenience of another junction on the main line would be avoided. The Te Roti route cannot be entertained except on the

assumption that Pa tea would continue to he the port of the district when the Home liners berth at New* Plymouth.