Bay of Plenty Asks For Rail Extension

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 594, 21 February 1929, Page 16

Bay of Plenty Asks For Rail Extension

RICH TERRITORY MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORK’S VISIT (From Our Own Cor respondent) OPOTIKI, To-day. Recognising that a railway to Opotiki would hasten the development of a rich piece of territory, the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, has promised to consider the early extension of the line beyond Taneatua. Mr. Ransom arrived at Opotiki at 5 o’clock last evening. He received deputations in the Borough Chambers, and was welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. G. S. Moody, who said that lie believed the Minister was out to do his best for the Dominion. Mr. Ransom was accompanied by Mr. K. S. Williams, member for the Bay of Plenty, and Mr. F. W. Furkert, chief engineer. Mr. J. H. Reid, Opotiki County chairman, said that he was in a unique position in welcoming the new Minister and the late Minister.

Railway extension at Opotiki was first promised in 1909, said Mr. Reid. The construction of the line to Opotiki was authorised in 1915. The wonderful development of the western portion of the bay since it had been connected with the railway had brought home the enormous advantage of the eastern end having railway connection. Events had justified the building of the line to Taneatua. An enormous number of sheep were now going to the Waikato from Poverty Bay through the Bay of Plenty. Some 30,000 sheep had been railed in the last four weeks. Maize was now being sent from Opotiki to Taneatua, where it was railed to Palmerston North. The district could increase its production if it had increased facilities. Mr. W. Bradshaw, on behalf of the Farmers’ Union, supported Mr. Reid. He said three definite promises had been given for a line to Opotiki, Sir Joseph Ward in 1909, Mr. Massey in 1915, and also Mr. Coates. He believed the present East Coast line would be the best paying in New Zealand. Mr. J. T. Thompson and Mr. A. L. Arrowsmith also spoke in support of the line being built. Air. K. S. Williams, who was asked to speak, said in connection with the previous promises, that these had been made before the advent of the motorlorry. which affected the Dosition a good deal. The line to Opotiki had been deferred until it could be seen if it would pay; also if a cheaper route could be found. When he last went into the position he thought the extension was justified. EVERY CHANCE

Air. Ransom, in reply, said that his ; ~sition was unique. He hu* to Opotiki with the late Public Works Minister, who had showed such goodwill that he. Air. Ransom, hardly liked to take the portfolio. (Laughter.) Hewas now endeavouring to make himself familiar with the whole of the Dominion. The only definite lines now promised were the South Island Main Trunk and the Napier-Gisborne line. He fully realised that the county here had a wonderful chance of development. The Opotiki line would be considered if it were shown that it would pay reasonably. There was

every chance that the matter would be seriously considered. So far the motorlorry had not been able to compete with the railway over long distances. Air. Ransom concluded by stating that the requests would be carefully considered. OTHER NEEDS Air. J. H. Reid, on behalf of the county, asked that a bridge be built at Haparapara, on the Coast Road: also a small bridge was needed at Wliitianga. The big Motu Bridge would be useless when completed if this were not built. Air. Reid asked that back-block settlers on Crown lands be given access. Owing to the revaluation of the county, no money was coming in for these lands. He asked for a free grant of £2OO. He also asked that the special Waioeka loan of £4,400 be wiped off, as where previously there were 24 settlers, there were now only 12. The Alinister said in. regard to the Waioeka loan he wanted see if the settlers stayed on the land. I-Ie had that day authorised that relief work on Waioeka Road should continue to the Opotiki side. All other matters would receive full consideration. Air. H. R. Hogg, chairman of the Bay of Plenty Power Board, drew attention to the serious number of shutdowns in Government supply to the board’s area, there being 42 in the last live months. He asked the department to put in a duplicate line, either from Waikaremoana or Tauranga. • The board would be prepared to increase the guarantee.

The Minister agreed that the shutdowns were very serious. Air. Furkert said that if the business justified the cost duplication could be done, and the Minister promised to see if the position could be remedied.