STRATFORD-KAPONGA RAILWAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 21, 12 June 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD-KAPONGA RAILWAY.

THE -POWERS OF LOCAL BODIES. SOME VALUAIiI.E SUGGESTIONS.

The letter from Mr. A. Coleman, read at Tuesday's meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, contained some sound suggestions which, if acted upon, may bring nearer at hand the connection of Stratford with th« Kaponga district by rail. When that work is completed a very large district not now served hy rail will have the benclit of a service invaluable to the people in the proper development of their lands. Mr. Coleman asks the Chamber to consider "initiating a movement for the substantial amendment of the existing legislation in regard to the above matter, or, if such a movement has been already initiated in other quarters, of actively supporting the same.''

Referring to our own particular desire, the connection of Stratford direct J with Opunake, via Kaponga, Mr. Coleman points out that "if the line were to be built by other than the Government the local bodies interested Would be (1) the Stratford Borough Council, (2) the Stratford County Council, (3) the Eltham County Council, and (4) the Kaponga Town Board. The Stratford borough' might possibly agree to a scheme for the private construction of this line; the Stratford county would—with the exception of the West riding—certainly reject it, as it would be. of no direct benefit to the other four ridings, and the Eltham county would, for similar reasons, act likewise; the Kaponga Town Board would probably be favorable to the scheme. In the event, therefore, of the residents of the two terminal towns and the .settlers i along the route desiring the private construction of the line, their wishes would be thwarted through the opposition of a majority of the other two bodies, which opposition would not be founded upon an-,1 real objection to the line per se, but simply because, if they assented, a large proportion of the settlers within their boundaries would object to as sume rates payable in respect of the undertaking, upon the reasonable ground that they would derive no possible bene-" fit therefrom. . . The remedy is to be found in making the settlers directly 'interested in the line—that is, those at the termini and in the country tapped by the line—responsible, if they are willing to assume responsibility, for the work. . . . The legislation should

provide—(a) For power for local authorities, or a body of settlers acting privately, though in concert, to agree to specially rate their properties for the requirements of the railway in a manner similar to that in which such a private body of settlers may now specially rate their properties for road and bridge construction. (b) For power to such settlers, acting with any local bodies interested in the termini or elsewhere, to form themselves into a legal corporation to be known as 'The Railway Board for such-and-such a District.' (c) For power for such legal corporation to borrow from the Government, or elsewhere, under the Local Bodies lxmns Act such sums as are nMpuivd. The loans to carry, h possible, a State guarantee. (d) For power for such corporations to contract and generally exercise the functions and powers necessary, for the construction and operation of such a line.

Mr. Coleman urges speedy action, in order that the Chamber's requirements can lie plaeed before the Minister of Public Works and given expression to in the proposed measure in which the New Plymouth-to-Opunake railway promoters are interested.

CONGRATULATORY. Mr. W. T. Kirkman, manager of the Stratford -Farmers' Co-op. Association, has added further to his laurels at the present New Plymouth Winter Show by scoring second place in the championship butter competition and tb:> r-xport class. In each case he was but half a point behind the winner, with grades of 94 Vi and !)5. This consistency enabled him to win the trophy donated liy the New Zealand Dairy Factory Managers' Association for the competition gaining the highest average points in those two classes. His average was the fine one of 04.75.

GENKSAL. A man name fins Coyne, of Makahu. was on Wednesday admitted to the hospital suffering from a severe cut on the knee-joint, inflicted while working with a slasher.

Your photograph will please them all —some of your friends have been expecting one for a long time—cU-n't bo satisfied with one taken years ago. Send them a fresh portrait, just as you are to-day, in your everyday attire. Having your portrait taken is as pleasant as an informal call on good friends. Make an appointment ti-day with Mr McAllister, Stratfori