DISTRICT RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3093, 16 January 1909, Page 4

DISTRICT RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT.

The Masterton-Pongaroa-Waipukurau railway project was again before the Masterton Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Thb Secretary of the League at Pongaroa wrote to state that the League was in a slightly better position than twelve months rgo, as branches had been established at different places along the proposed route, the League's great difficulty being the matter of funds. The letter stated that it was probable that n duputaion would wait upon the Premier at a banquet to be given to Mr R. B. Ross, M.P. for Pahiatua, the date of which would be notified to the Chamber; and it was also stated to be the Premier's intention to visit Pongaroa, at which the whole matter would be placed before him. A letter on the same subject was received (through Mr Hogg) from the Hon. J. McGowan, ex-Mimster for Public Works, in which it was stated that a detailed report of this railway had not been definitely promised to the deputation which waited upon the Hon. Hall Jones in August last, quoting a newspaper report in support of his statement. The secretary quoted another report, in which it was stated that the Minister promised, if possible, to get one of his engineers to make a detailed report on the probable cost of construction. Mr Daniell and other members strongly urged the Chamber's heartiest sympathy to the League, and it was uunanimously resolved to make a grant of £5 towards its funds. The Hon. A. W. Hogg wrote to say that he was heartily pleased to see that the Chamber had placed its views regarding the

extension of the Greytown line to Martinborough before the Minister,as he himself considered that there was a number of reasons iri favour of that route instead of a line from Featherston, and he hoped both routes would receive careful consideration.