THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 146, 7 November 1912, Page 8

THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY.

QUESTION OF ROUTE: Wellington, Wednesday. The Minister of Public Works, -in moving the second reading of the Authorisation Bill last night, said there could bo no question hut that places like Manilla and Opnnake ought to be connected with the main. line. The country was easy for railway construction. The actual point of deviation from the main, line had not yet been fixed, the Prime Minister having promised to go into the question with the speaker on the spot. T iiere had been no time to do this so far. owing to pressure of business. Mr. Russell: Are yon going to follow the railway reserve? Mr. Eraser: We will take the best route the engineer selects. Sir Joseph Ward ridiculed the vague description of the railway in the Bill, its connection with the main line being vaguely placed somewhere between Foxton and New Plymouth. The Minister knew absolutely, and the House ought to know. Mr. Pearce stated that the Commission settled the junction point to the satisfaction of every common-sense person. He was sorry a small branch from Manaia was not authorised. The line would pay 10 per cent, on the cost of construction. The whole of the Taranaki members were in agreement as to the acceptance of the Commission's report. Mr. Wilkinson said there were so many possible routes that it would be unfair to determine on one without enquiry. Taranaki settlers had been waiting at least 21 years, and enough money was being borrowed meanwhile to build it twenty times over. He hoped the Government would soon Bet aside an appropriation and start the work.—Hawera Star. / . 1