THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1909. MASTERTON-WAIPUKURAU LINE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9642, 6 November 1909, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1909. MASTERTON-WAIPUKURAU LINE.

I The deputation that waited on the Minister for Public Works this weekfrom the Masterton-Waipukurau Railway League, to urge that steps should be taken id complete the survey of the proposed railway line from Masterton to Waipukurau, which has already been authorised, must have experienced a sense of disappointment at the result of the interview. The claim was fairly > stated, and, as it was pointed out by the member for Masterton, represented no less than seven counties, with an area of 2,000 square miles. It was expected that a population of over 20,000 would be served by the proposed railway. The Engineer-in-fchief had reported some years ago that the best route was from Masterton by way of Weber. The deputation asked that a further survey should be made from Weber to Waipukurau, as it was considered better to take the line by that route than to Dannevirke. The hardships suffered by the settlers (the majority uf whom it must be remembered are Government lessees) was emphasised, and it waß pointer] out that as a result of the lack ui means of communication several settlers had been forced to relinquish their holdings. The chairman of the Akitiu County Council showad that il would cost £40,000 to metal the mair roads and complete the bridges. There were over 300 miles of main roads and the contract price for metal ling was about £1,500 a mile, but if a railway was constructed a large proportion of that expenditure woulc be saved. The deputation understooc that the settlers were prepared to make an offer in regard to the cost oi constructing the railway. The Minister, listened most attentively to the representations of the deputation, and as was to be expected sympath ised with the difficulties of the settlers in the backblocks. He was ap parently not in a promising mood. Ir generalising he actually informed the deputation that "he believed there was plenty of room for railway extension in New Zealand." His audience, considering their object in waiting on the Minister, were nc doubt very painfully aware of this interesting fact. As to the policy oi constructing lines on the guarantee ot the S3tt!ers there was no doubt that the question would have to be considered very seriously. He coulc not, < r wculd not, say whether it wa« likely that any legislation on the question would be brought down this

session. The expenditure of money on Burveys of railway lines when there was no prospect of the construction being - canied out, was deprecated. Such surveys had in many cases been expensive anJ practically useless until the money was available for the construction. If Parliament author ised the Government to proceed with a policy of railway construction on local guarantees they would have to consider the question of how the money should be raised. They had also to consider the question of constructing branch lines. This railway would have to take its chance along with the rest. Legislation would be required before railways could be constructed on a guaranteed basis; he supposed they could sperd a few millions of money un railways if 3 per cent, was guaranteed. Personally he was in favour of light lines, but th«j government had not come to a decision on the matter. He considered, however, that it would be better to make two lines of railway at £SOO a mile than one mile at £IO,OOO, so as to meet present requirements. There were proposals before the Government in that direction. He was convinced that we would have to go in for railways of a limited standard, or people would have to wait longer for their railways.