The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1913. THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 84, 16 April 1913, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1913. THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY.

.Much sorry stuff has been written oi late concerning the so-called “rights” of towns to the junction of railwaylines with the present main line. Far 1)0 is from us to lend to it a semblance of importance by holding it up for public attention, but in order that the real purpose of a railway shall not be lost sight of, it is advisable to remember that the present and future requirements of the unrailqd areas, and the convenience of the complete railway system, should be of paramount importance. The particular object of the recent Ministerial visit to Taranaki was to gather as much information as was possible concerning the Opunako railway, and those members of deputations who placed matters before the Ministers, are deserving of thanks, for in a multitude of counsellors there is wisdom ; and knowledge of local matters and conditions could bo best imparted in this way. Xo one can dispute that a railway from Opunako via Kaponga to Stratford, with one branch to Manaia, would absolutely relieve every main road and would serve a larger area than any other route that could be suggested. Xo other route would serve Lowgarth, Mahoe, or Cardiff, in any way, and the Mangatoki factory would be under one mile by road from Stratford-Kaponga line, while the suggested Te Roti route would leave Mangatoki also stranded. Even the so-called “reserve” route would be nearly 2t miles distant by road from Mangatoki. Some discredit has been levelled at the quality of the land adjoining the Stratford-Kaponga mute, by such reference to ;t as

“wretched stuff” and “the foothills! of Mount Fgmont.” But within our certain knowledge farmers’ proofs on land almost adjoining the Mountain Reserve, Inwo shown a gross total earned up to TG 10s per aero j>er annum. Kaponga town and district would have shorter and quicker access to the main line hy the .Slration! route, while with the Te Hoti, or Reserve route, residents of Kaponga and near-hy would have inflicted upon them the delay and inconvenience ol extra junctions and greater mileage. The grade of the country clearly shows that the ascent to Stratford will he more gradual, if taken direct from Kaponga than it would he*hy any other route. From any point in the southwest area, the Q tratford-Kaponga line would provide rile most direct and best graded access to New Plymouth.

port, mid there can be no question but that the Province of Taranaki has declared by word and deed, in sounding so much money at Moturoa, that New Plymouth must be our port. Why, then, should a railway he built on a route like 1 e Roti, or the. Reserve, which would necessitate extra mileage, unnecessary delay and inconvenience to the people of the southwest, heavier grades and the expense and inconvenience ot extra, junctions to the railway department, when the Stratl'ord-Kaponga route avoids all; these disabilities. ■