RAILWAY EXTENSION.

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1127, 18 December 1901, Page 2

RAILWAY EXTENSION.

1 he Premier, while in Blenheim, in reply to a deputation from the Marlborough Railway League, who urged Unit the South Island Trunk line he pushed forward, said the continuation of the railway southwards was a colonial question. There was nor, in any part of the colony a greater quantity of land more suitable for c'ose setduin n than from Cheviot to Starhorough, but the Government must take care the settlers placi d on tin land had facilities to send their produce speedily and cheaply to market. This could only he. ensured them by good roads and railway connection. These works required large sums cf money, hut a largo borrowing policy would he injurious The Government had fairly allocated the money available for Ihe purpose, of railway extension. The North Island Trunk line was more important than the South. The distance from Lyttelton to Wellington w>s only ten hours’ steaming, from Auckland to Wellington to it was two days' steaming by either coast. Auckland province held a population of about 150,000 and Auckland was the first pi rt of call of tourists from Australia and the East. It was es'ential tiny Hi mid have quicker means if communication with the South. If they pushed o i the South Island Main Trunk line and put it through F axhorne, they would add £2 an acre to the value of the land. They must acquire the laud first; railway extension will follow.