THE STRATFORD-MAIN TRUNK LINE

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1920, Page 4

THE STRATFORD-MAIN TRUNK LINE

The appeal made by the residents of the northern end of the Stratford-Okahukura lire, with the object of inducing the Minister of Public Works (Hon. J. G. Coates) to press forward construction work vigorously at that end, affords additional evidence why the completion of this railway should be regarded as a matter of urgency. For nine years, it was stated by members of the deputation which recently waited on the Minister, the work of formation at the northern end had been in hand, but not a single mile of railway had been opened. There is no question that the line is greatly needed right through to its junction with the Main Trunk, and that is the view which the people of Taranaki have held, and still hold. It is only natural that the people at the northern end should feel aggrieved at receiving no benefit from the construction work so far as it has gone, and, had the matter been left there, the sympathy and support of Taranaki would have been with the deputation. In their desire tr present a strong case, however, the argument was use<l by the deputation that the Ohura district had no community with Taranaki, but rather with Tiuunarunui, and it was claimed that the Government should, therefore, join up the Ohura with Taumarunui, and open the line as soon as possible to Matiere. The Minister, of course, is well aware that the statements made 'by the deputation were tinted with local color, and he will probably ascertain for himself in which direction the community of interest exists. The construction of such an important line should be free from local jealousy and be regarded from a national standpoint. It may be assumed that in completing and opening the line to Tahora from the southern end the Government was actuated by the main principle of political economy, and slow as has been the progress it has been in the right direction, though there should certainly have been better results at the northern end. The main factor which should now influence the Public Works Department with regard to this railway is the opening up and distribufion of tile Ohura coal deposits, and there can be 110 doubt this urgent work cannot fail to impress the Minister and his departmental officers. It is a traffic lever of the greatest force, which 110 Minister can ignore, and Taranaki must he the main distributing centre by land or sea. just as Moturoa must be, the port for'the reception of Ohura produce. At the same time it is desirable that | the ' line shall progress vigorously at both ends, but we shall be surprised if

the Minister does not recognise that, for the goocl of the greatest number, special efforts should be made to push forward the work at the southern end in order to deal with the coal deposits and to further the' interests of settlement. This would be in accord with sound national policy, The great aim should be to expedite the completion of the whole work and thus give needed relief to the Main Trunk line, as well aa to obtain increased production.