NEW PLYMOUTH-OPUNAKE TRAMWAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 202, 19 October 1900, Page 2

NEW PLYMOUTH-OPUNAKE TRAMWAY.

PUBLIC MEETING. ( Opumlie Times.)

Oveb 40 settlers attended the meeting convened by the Town Board, and which was held last night in the Town Hall.

Mr. M. J. Brennan, Chairman of the Town Board, presided. The Chairman explained that the promoters of the proposed tramline had c mrauuicated with the Beard, and had requested their co-operation in the movement. The Board resolved to convene a public meeting to allow the matter to be thrashed out. There was nothing definite to lay before the meeting any mere than that it was proposed to run the tramline round what is known as the inner circle or road round the mountain. He was of opinion that when it reached the crossing at the Kahui Road it would be necessary then to take a cross country track in a direct line to Opunake. If this were done it would benefit Opunake by giving settlers on the Upper Kahui, Ngariki, Kina, and Opua Roads direct and convenient communication with the town. If the meeting approved of the movement it would be their business to endeavour to get the project carried out so as to produce the most benefit possible to this end of the district. Air. John Stewart said he had thought the matter out, and was satisfied that such a line as that proposed would be of no benefit whatever to the place, but, on the contrary, would be against the interests of Opunake. It was, in his opinion, a very shallow scheme on the part of New Plymouth, and solely for their own benefit; this he could see very clearly. Opunake had the nucleus of a port, and it was to their interest to trade with Wellington and Auckland, and he considered a tramline would be prejudical to the advancement of the port. Its construction would also stop the railway from Opunake to Elthain being built. He would therefore move-"That such a railway would be prejudicial to the future interests of Opunake and the port." Mr. Englefield seconded the motion. Mr, (1 VV. Rogers thought the promoters had taken wrong steps in asking meetings to be called. The first thing they should have done was to supply further data so that they could whether or not it would have any tendency to kill the port. The scheme had emanated from fertile brains and no doubt its promoters could see their way to making it suit their own ends, tie thought they wanted more inforI mafion. i

The Chairman said they were only called on to express an opinion as to whether the people here thought it advisable or not to be connected with Vew Plymouth by a railway or tramline. The matter of exact route and cost of construction were subjects for ■it'ter consideration. If they did not think such a line desirable there was tin use getting data, if they voted in i'avour of it then it was for them to endeavour to mould the movement so that it would best meet their interests, ami convenience.

Mr. Limbrick thought passing such .-i resolution as that proposed, if carrier!, would bo very detrimental to Opunako. From what he had gleaned 'hey intended going on with the line from Now Plymouth and they would run it down into the back country that Opunake depended on for its future prosperity. If Opunake objeoted the) would probably run it as far as the Ivina lioad thus tapping the trade and bake it to New PI s mouth instead of bringing it here. He thought it was impossible to open up tho district and create a progressive policy without Opunake sharing in it. As to it affecting the construction of the OpunakeEltliam line he thought it would be in favor of it instead of against it. The only chance ho thought of that line being dono was being shown that it would pay. He did not expect to see it built on sentimental lines. He understood the tramline would be built with private capital. He moved as an amendment: "That seeing this meeting has no data with regard to the proposed tramway that they defer passing' an opinion as to the desirability or otherwise of its construction until such information is obtained." Seconded by Mr. Rogers. Mr- Heanan said he agreed with the amendment. They had to consider whether the promoters would cdrry it out, whether Opunake joined in the iclume or not, If as was painted out, the line was brought fiom New Plymouth to within 10 miles of Opunake, it would be detrimental to this place. Ho therefore could not agree with the resolution moved by Mr. Stewart, and I houghs it would be more advisable to obtaiu further information before coming to a decision. Mr. Hill said the port at prcsant was not a matter of great consideration, as goods could be landed cheaper by other routes.

Mr. Newman said that altogether depended ou the support it gets. It, was suggested that Mr. Stawart should withdraw his resolutson.

Mr. Stewart replied he had given ihe matter every consideration, and - mild not see his way to do so. He was not prepared to withdraw or alter it aid it must therefore stand. i

1 Mr. G. W. Rogersmoved as a further 1 imendmeut: '• That this meeting ' stand adjourned for a fortnight, and ! that the promoters be requested to ' -apply further information as regarded u the proposed routts, traction engine, ' full-cg stock, terminus, &o, )'■' iceii;J by Mr. Liiubrick. Mr, Liiubrick withdrew his pievious uiir:id;m!it. Ai:.'. fcitowait i-;:'d ou further eoni . k'.'iittioa ho wui'd withdraw Lis E'.gUfi Id, who second id lie ngre.'d u thu cout'tf. i JJi. !t!i;.-'iidraw.l. was then in ... .1 miiiwl w-i'-ijaoosly. ?ir. D. lie.'ideisoii su 1 /gi?s':o4 tin' •>> [rctr,o'C!» should ho at-kad <■/.) sesii . i'eV«ato to give all information v>.Mr. J. Stewart movod that tho pro.otcis be requested to fend a de.logato o a moeiing to bo held on M. nday, • Ckt.'bcr 29-h, at 7.00 p.m. Seconded by Mr. D, lloidtlßOn and 'iivfied unanimously