OPUNAKE RAILWAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 May 1920, Page 3

OPUNAKE RAILWAY.

URGENCY OF THE WORK. , DIFFICULTIES OF SETTLERS. 'That owing to the increase in the cost of maintaining roads in this district caused through so much heavy motor traffic, the Uoveruinent be urged to proceed with the New l'lymouthJpunake railway at the earliest possible moment." This was a remit from Warca considered at the conference of the Taranaki Farmers' Union yesterday. The mover. (Mr. T. 'Julian)'said that they were in the unfortunate; position of having to depend on motor lorry traffic at heavy costs for cartage, besides which the traffic on the roads made it almost impossible to maintain the roads. If the line was made right round the mountain the lightest engine would do more effective work than the heaviest engine could over the present route. He urged that a start should be made .'rom the Moturoa end. Settlers were almost discoursed by the difficulty and cost of obtaining manures. Mr. Buekeridge, in seconding, said he recognised the disabilities the settlors labored under. It had been conceded by the Railway Commission set up some time ago that this would be one of the most payable railways in the Dominion and would pay for some of those that did not pay now. Mr. Looney urged the inclusion of the Te Roti-New Plymouth railway. It would be years before the railway was completed to Opunake. The president said that this was a provincial matter. The executive would bring the matter before the Government.

Mr. Washer said that it was absolutely necessary to relieve the roads from heavy maintenance, and tlte settlers from heavy freights. The remit was carried. »