PROPOSED WAINUI-WAIRARAPA RAILWAY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8189, 25 July 1906, Page 5

PROPOSED WAINUI-WAIRA-RAPA RAILWAY.

WHAT IS THOUGHT OF IT. The question of a new railway line> to ihe Wairarapa via the eastern side of the Hut Valley and Waiuui was recently discussed by the Lower Hutt Borough Council. The decision arrived at was that a deputation should wait on the Minister of Kailways and nsk bim to favourably oousider the subject. Invitations to attend the deputation wore sent to n number of local bodies aud public men, and their replies were received at the meeting of the Lower Hm.fc Borough Council, ou Monday, says the Post.

The Hawke's Bay GouutyCounuil replied that it took no action in the matter. The Maurioeville Council said it intended giving the suoject furthor consideration.

The Masterton borough Council appointed its Mayor as delegate, and asked for brief information re proposed deviafciou, route, distances, grades, country to be opened up, etc The Featherstou County Council expressed sympathy with the movement, and appointed a delegate ou the deputation. Th 9 Eastbourne Borough Counoil and Hutt County Council appointed representatives on the deputation.

The Pahiatua Borough Council replied stating that it recognised the necessity of ' some action being taken to have the railway routo betweeu Wellington and Wairarapa altered. The Carterton Borough Council said, in the absence uf specific information, it wa3 not prepared to support the proposal. The Masterton County CounMl replied that it was unable to view tbe proposal favourably, being oi opinion that the interest of that part of the Wairarapa would be better served by 'naking improvements in the existing line, and that the lake district could be advantageously served by a branch service.

Mr P. M. B. Fishor, M.H.R., stated that be was not prepared at present to say definitely that the movement had his sympathy, but, provided that the cost of construction was reasonable, and that time would ba saveil, and maintenance decreased, by the proposal, there would be every reason why it should be carried.

Messrs W. Barber, and C. H. Izard, M's. H.R., said they would accompany the deputation, the former sfcatiDg that be would do what ha could to further the proposal.

Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., stated that at present he was not sufficiently acquainted with the proposed line of route, and the country proposed to be served, to identify himself with any line in substitution of toe present one. He had, however, no objection to being present with the deputation the object of suggesting that due enquiries should be made witti regard to the merits and practicability of the lino via f Wainui.

Mr K. B. Ross, M.H.R., said he was not sufficiently conversant with the subject to warrant him at this stage accompanying the deputation.

Mr A. L. D. Fraser, M.H.R., replied that he knew nothing of tha proposal and was opposed to a policy of railway expenditure upon branch , or new lines until the Main Trunk highways were completed. The Mayor observed that all the information being sought after had , not yet been obtained and suggested that the subject be held over for a while. This oourse was adopted.