MASTERTON-WAIPUKURAU RAILWAY

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10685, 12 July 1912, Page 5

MASTERTON-WAIPUKURAU RAILWAY

A PONGAROA DEPUTATION

VISIT TO MASTERTON,

Yesterday Messrs Watson and Miller, of Pongaroa, members of the Mas-terton-Waipukurau Railway League, paid a visit to Masterton. They were received by Mr Henderson, the President, and Mr J. C. Boddington, Secretary, of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Henderson explained what nad I been done at the last meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. He, with the Secretary, was arranging for a public meeting to be.held in Masterton on Wednesday, the 31st inat., when the various delegates were expected to be present. He said the Chamber was prepared to help in every way. Mr Watson said it was considered that the present was an opportune time to revive the League. They had made a start in Pongaroa, and had formed a League there, and adoptel the rules and regulations of the farmer League, with a few amendments. Rule 5, which fixed the monthly meetings of the Executive at Pongaroa, had been amended with a view to holding meetings in any centre where convenient. The League was gaining strength right through the Akitio County, but it was felt they must have the support of the towns, especially the hearty support of Masterton. if they were to meet with success. The information possessed by Masterton would bo useful to the new League, and he thanked the Chamber of Commerce for offering to place it at their disposal. Mr Miller said the time was decidedly ripe in the backblocks for carrying, on an agitation for a railway from I Waipukurau to Masterton. The settlers were particularly unanimous in this desire, as their roads were not in a fit state for. cart traffic. He stated that metal cost from 15s to 20s pelcubic yard to deliver on .the roads in some parts of the district. The Akitio County Council was being called on by all the adjoining Counties to contribute to the cost of the upkeep of roads outside that County, that the settlers used to get to markets. A tremendous saving would be made In freight and cartaee if the district was opened up by railway. The saving in and cartage ih tl"> settlors would pay the interest on the cost of the line. . .. After some further discussion, tbo visitors promised to recommend to their League that a delegate be sent to the to be held at Maisrerton on the 31st inst.