AUCKLAND RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 226, 21 September 1906, Page 3

AUCKLAND RAILWAY LEAGUE.

THE NOETH AUCKLAND EXTENSION. A meeting of the council of the Auckland Railways League was held yesterday., and well attended. The Secretary stated that the Minister for Public Works had consented to receive the proposed deputations of railway leagues appointed at the recent conference at Auckland to wait on him regarding the EaiSt Coast Railway. Mr. (!. L. Peacocke (Chairman) was appointed to represent the Auckland league. Mr. Jas. Stewart, C.E., presented his report of his recent inspection of the North Auckland Railway as already briefly reported in the " Star." Referring to the Hoteo bridges, he stated that he was now informed that the Australian timber required had arrived, and would be hurried to the various sites so soon as the conditions of roads and weather permitted. The completion of these bridges was the key to the opening of the line to Wellsford, and this might take place about May next. The cost of transport of ballast increased as the line advanced. There •was much stone in the cuttings between the Hoteo bridges and "VYayby, but it was said to be unsuitable as under frost it disintegrated into sand. In the bridge work north of Wellsford, tidal creeks facilitated the delivery of material, and the construction work to Maungaturoto ahould proceed rapidly. Mr. Stewart added:—" Looking broadly over tha work, 1 have no hesitation in saying that if about 380 men can be put on, the line to Maungaturoto may be opened in a little more than two years, certainly by the end of 1908. It is only a matter of the requisite appropriation. Considering that the first exploration for this railway, by the late Mr. Knorpp, was completed 26 years ago, the country has every reasoD to urge that the increased activity entered on subsequent to the opening to Kaipara Flats should be maintained. All who heard the late Premier speak on the occasion of that opening in November last, had reason to believe that he had fully grasped the necessity for the speedy opening up of the country, and especiaJly the great importance of reaching a position where suitable macadam could bo made available for the country roads. On this point the right hou. gentleman was most emphatic, and I trust that his evident determination to have the work henceforth prosecuted more in accordance with justice to the country will be indorsed by the present i Ministry."