RAIL TO OPOTIKI

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 718, 18 July 1929, Page 1

RAIL TO OPOTIKI

SIR JOSEPH WARD SORRY NO MONEY JUST NOW (THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON. Today. The construction of the TaneatuaOpotikl section of the East Coast railway was urged on the Prime Minister today by a deputation, headed by Mr. K. S. Williams (Bay of Plenty) and including representatives of the Opotiki Railway League. Bay of Plenty Development League, and other interests. Special emphasis was laid on the value the line would be in the transport of sheep from Poverty Bay to Waikato and North Auckland, a trade which had developed remarkably since the opening of the Waihi-Taneatua section. . nc . The further section desired was -5 miles long and ran through good dairying country. . .. . The Prime Minister promised that the representations would have careful consideration. A report on the prospects of the line would be secured and considered when the Public Works estimates were being framed. It might not be practicable to make provision for the line this year, but the Government was much impressed with the necessity for extending the line, and possibly provision might be made next year. •T am sorry X cannot give you a more encouraging reply,” said Sir Joseph Ward, “but I have to deal with facts. I can’t say that the present time is a good one to apply for new sections of railway, as there are financial difficulties; but I hope by next year we will have removed a considerable portion_j^f_JhenV|____