THAMES-TE AROHA RAILWAY.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5030, 25 February 1885, Page 2

THAMES-TE AROHA RAILWAY.

Kopu-Hikutaia Tenders Again Deferred by Government.

Shortly after the close of the last session of Parliament, the hopes of the Thames people in regard to the completion of the long promised railway to Te Aroha were considerably raised by the fact that a sum of money had been placed on the Estimates for the line, and that Government had promised to call for tenders for the Ropu-Hikutaia section daring the recess. The matter has been prominently i brought before the Minister for Pablie Works several times since then, bat beyond the section being again surreyed, , 1 nothing has been done. A committee ra appcinted a short time ago to urge tbe fulfilment of Government's promise, bat it would almost appear as if the Minister was determined to shelve the matter, judging by the following telegram received from the Uhder-Secretary :— James Kiiooub, Thames. .. In reply' to telegram signed,by your* v self and Messrs McGtawan and Eraser, re Kopu Hikutaia Railway, Minister direct* me to' state tbat, farther information is required before finally completing plans, so that tenders cannot be inrited for some weeks yet. 1 B. Y. O'Coimo*. We are somewhat at a loss to under* „ stand what further information is required by Government, inasmuch as a working survey of the line was. made years ago, and there are no great difficulties to surmount in its construction. The action of the Minister in thus constantly deferring the matter, especially when the close of the financial year is so near, gives ground for the supposition that the Thames end of the railway is - being neglected in order to push on the portion from Morrinsville to Te Aroba. We hope the Com* mittee will at once take decided steps to - discover what information Government requires before tenders are called, and that they will strongly protest against the calling of tenders being deferred any longer, to the detriment of Thames in* terests. . .