The Advocate. [Established 1888.] MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1906, MASTERTON-DANNEVIRKE LOOP LINE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XVIII, Issue 520, 17 September 1906, Page 4

The Advocate. [Established 1888.]

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1906, MASTERTON-DANNEVIRKE LOOP LINE.

[PUBLISHED DAILY.] OLDEST ESTABLISHED PAPER AND &UARANTSBD LARGEST OtBOULATIOM IN THB DISTBIOT.

CIRCULATES IN Datuwrirk* Maagatoto Eokokomoka Nupaarnra Maagabs Weber Ti Trea Pois Waione Wimbledon Horbertvlll* AUtio Horoaka Oringi Ktritaki Maharabara WoodriU* Umutaoroa Matamao Piripiri Makotnka Ormondvili* NorMwood Takapaa Whetnkara . AehleT-Clinlon Otoau, *' KnmerpA

• The subject of a railway line from Dannevirke to- the East Coast has been talked and written about for years, but unfortunately the project .has never been advanced beyond that stage. At the same time there can be no question but that such a railway U urgently required, and would prove a remunerative undertaking. But while Government has had its hands full in the construction of the Main Trunk line, there has been no opportunity for considering district lines, however urgently tliey may be required. Now that the completion of the main line is coming within sight, attention is once more

being given to the necessity of constructing some of these side lines, and the Masterton people are ventilating ' the desirability of securing railway con I nection with Dannevirke by way of ■ Pongaroa and Weber. Mr Hogg has asked a question concerning the matter in the House by way of introducing the subject, and the Masterton people have taken up the proposal very warmly. At Pongaroa a railway league for the purpose of securing a line has been formed, and the residents of that district are naturally most anxious to secure better means of communication with the out. side world than they now have by road. They recognise that the proposed deviation must leave the main line either at Pahiatua or Masterton at the southern end, and join it again at either Danne* virke or Waipukurau, at the northern end. The Pongaroa settlers are undoubtedly badly handicapped in the matter of getting ■ their produce to market. It costs 7s 6d to get a bale of wool to "Wellington by^sea, exclusive of the cartage from Pongaroa to the coast, which is a considerable item, while the railage to Wellington from Pahiatua is only 6s per bale. The matter has been before the Masterton Chamber of Commerce. That body is, of course, offering the movement its most enthusiastic support, and it appears to us that the people of Dannevirke should be prepared to take a hand with the view of assisting the project and of securing the northern junction at this town. The business men of Waipawa have already decided to join the agitation, with the view of having their town" made the terminus of the loop, and it is clearly of importance that the claims of Dannevirke should be properly laid before -the authorities. Many sound reasons can be urged in favour of Dannevirke, and in the meantime the local Chamber should, discuss the proposal and obtain the necessary data. There is a great volume of trade to be developed in the Coast district, and that trade should gravitate towards Dannevirke as iis natural centre. As the settlement in the Crown and private lands in the Dannevirke district proceeds, this is bound to be a great stock centre. Indeed, the growing importance of the stock sales already point to this, and where their stock go for sale the owners naturally desire to transact their business. We do not suppose for one moment that the Government are likely to take up the matter for a year or two yet, but it is advisable to be prepared for eventualities. Our southern neighbours are doing their share towards the agitation, and Dannevirke should be prepared to give a very warm support to the proposal.