DISTRICT RAILWAY MATTERS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10174, 25 February 1911, Page 5

DISTRICT RAILWAY MATTERS.

THE PROPOSED LEAGUE

DISCUSSION BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. With regard to the proposed formation of a Railway League, the Chairman of the Masterton Chamber •of Commerce stated at yesterday's meeting that he was of opinion that the Hawke's Bay people would willingly assist in any movement of the kind.

Mr Casel'berg stated l that the Napier people were already well'served, and that- they were seventeen miles nearer Wellington by the Manawatu route than by the Wairarapa route. Mr-Moodie agreed with the former speaker, and stated that' they would apparently have' to work for a local line.

Mr Sumraerell stated that our local requirements were not catered for at all.

Mr Caselberg stated that the old time-table paid because much of the traffic was diverted through here while the Manawatu line was owned by a company. Since the Government had acquired that line, however, the traffic had been taken over the old way again. Mr Carey contended that the old timetalble if reverted to would pay .if' put into operation again.

Mr Caselberg asked if any data had been obtained in regard to the t Rimutaka deviation.

Mr Carey'stated that' the Chamber had obtained copies of Mr Hayes' report. •

i Mr Donald stated that the deviation would save the distance be-/ tween Cross' Creek and Kaitoke. Mr Robson stated that there would be a saving of seven miles. >

Mr Moodie expressed regret that the Chamber had not been 'communicated with in regard to the proposal to form a Railway League here. \ ■.. ; Mr Cai-ey said/that he. was pleased that others were moving in the mat- 4, ter, and . every effort ( should" he made to work together. He moved that the various' Chambers of Commerce throughout the district as >far as Napier be communicated with, with a view to getting an expresion of Opinion as to whether they would or would hot give their support to the movement in favour of > the Rimutaka deviation.

: The resolution was seconded by Mr Caelberg. . " ' .Mr Robstfnisfated that they want- ' ed a live. energetic. League that would keep matters moving all ",thV time. Mr Summere.ll stated that this was a matter in which the whole oxlhe district from the Rimutaka to Woodyille was interested, and there should 'be no difficulty in getting all to pull together as was the case in: regard .to,: the timetable.. They could get a tmanimous voice in regard to this matter, and it should'be made, their only object. Personally he would like to gee-all the local bodies broxight into the matter too, and he was convinced that if his were done they would be able to achieve some good. r Mr Carey stated he would be quite willing to withdraw his motion ill favour of Mr Summerell's suggestion. ~ '

Mr Caselberg stated that the two suggestions could go. together.

j Mr Moodie agreed with Mr Summerell, and stated that Wellington, too, was interested in this movement. The two large freezing companies in particular would without doubt support it, while all the merchants were directly interested. He held that the movement should include the. district from Woodville to> „ Wellington. ' • ■.'-.;.•'': Mr Summerell moved that steps be taken, to form a League, the object of which shall be the deviation of the Rknutaka line, and thalt the Chambers of Commerce from Woodville to Wellington be invited to cooperate in the formation of such a League. Mr Moodie seconded the motion.

Mr Summerell stated subsequently that local committees would have to be appointed in the various districts, Whose duty it Avould be to keep things .moving in flTeir own particular district. The resolution was carried unanimously.