TAUPO TOTARA RAILWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 103, 30 April 1920, Page 7

TAUPO TOTARA RAILWAY.

FINANCING THE EXTENSION, COMPANY NOW KEADY.

Further reference to proposals foi connecting Tanpo with the railways o: the Dominion is contained in a statemeni made to the " Pont" by the directors o: the TiUipo Totara Timber Co. ]n this statement the directors emphasise thi fact that they are quite prepared t< carry out their project of extending the company's existing line on to Taupe directly the Government makes clear it: policy in regard to the matter. It is afollows: — ""The article in the 'Post , dealing with I his question is apt to >be misleadinj to those who do not understand th< circumstances. The 'Post' very rightlj r«fcrs to the great assistance it has givei to the developing o f the Taupo district by supporting tlie claims of the Taup ( Totara Timber Co. to 'be allowed t( extend its line to Taupo, but the impres sic-i might be created by recent state ments that this scheme has fallei through, and that the line fron Rotorua to Taupo seems to be a proposi tion more likely to come to fruition ii the near future. This is opposed to thi facts. The Taupo Company has noabandoned ita proposal. Oii the con trary, it has been able to put itself ii such a position that it is now prepared t( finance the extension of ita line to Taupe as soon as the Government makes up iti mind that it desires to have this railway for permanent traffic purposes. ,, "Since the company's line was cor structed, settlement has progressed along it for 20 miles from Putaruru, and there are now many thousands ofJ acres laid clown in pasture and used for I dairying purposes. The settlers' traffic bus increased to such an extent that the company with its present rolling stock is not able to provide such facilities as the needs of the settlers require. Twelve months ago, at a meeting of the settlers, the company stated that it was prepared to find the capital necessary for the provision of further rolling stock and other facilities required if the Government would make up its mind definitely that it requires this line for permanent traffic purposes. The settlers were reminded that Mr. ilassey. as Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, had publicly assured a meeting of settlers that they could rely upon having this line as a permanent railway, but no steps have yet been

taken? by the Government to make arrangements with the fcompany for this ' purpose. "During the last two yeare the coin-' pany has-been taking steps with a view to having a general development' scheme for the whole of the Taupo j country laid down by the Government Departments — the Departments of Land, Native Affairs, Forestry, Railways, Public Works, and Tourists — concerned in it. The company's directors are of opinion that the whole of this country must be. developed by the Government, and that the question of mination by the Government experts. It is one of great national importance, because there are in the district some of the most valuable timber forests remaining in the Dominion, and a great area of unused land, a portion of wh-ch the Taupo Company's enterprise has been the means of bringing into profitable occupation as dairying country. Further, the greatest hydro-electric power in New Zealand lies in this district, which is also the thermal centre. Negotiations have been proceeding during the last twelve months between the company and the different Departments concerned, but these have been delayed, by reason of the difficulties which have faced the Government in dealing with any question of development; the company, however, has reason to believe that during the coming session the whole question of the development of this important part of the North Island will be considered.

"There is no essential antagonism between the Taupo Company's line and the proposed Rotorua-T%upo line, but those familiar with the circumstances feel that it is improbable that sufficient capital w=ll be available for the completion of the latter line in the near future, whereas the money is ready for the extension of the former line so soon as the Government determines upon its policy. Both lines are essential for the proper development of the Taupo country. The Taupo Company, however, has its capital ready, and is only too anxious to proceed."