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RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Report of Delegates.

Messrs W. A. Bennett and Keegan, who last month visited Wellington and interviewed the Minister on behalf of the United Bay of Plenty Railway League, have presented their report (says the Rotorua Times),which states

that their first interview was with the Hon. W. D. S. Macdonala, member for Bay of Plenty, who advised the

deputation to lay the question of roads and other minor affairs before Mr Holmes, Chief Engineer of Public Works.

This was accordingly done, and the Chief Engineer promised to give every consideration, when the estimates were being prepared. t6 the following; roads in Te Puke and Tauranga districts:—Cameron Access Road. McKenzie Road, Mangatoi Road, Whata-roa-Matai Bridle Track, Kaikopa and Maniatutu-Te Ilika Road, and t Okere to Ngongotaha Road. The construction of the Matata-Mangaroa-Taneatua Road was' urged. The Chief Engineer stated that as soon as the railway survey has been definitely fixed a proclamation would be issued resuming sufficient land for both railway and road. He hoped to have this done at an early date. This road would then receive € every attention.

The road up the east bank of the Rangitaiki River to open up the Turarangaia Block and the Galatea district was then urged. The reply was that as soon aa there was sufficient settle-

merit in those parts to warrant the

expenditure, ■ the question would be c<psidered. [j The Chief Engineer also promised jrto look carefuly into the question of pall other roads in the' County rf Whakatane, and would use his best endeavours to have a fair amount voted for all necessary works. The depuattion next waited on the Minister and th.3 continuation of the Bay of Plenty railway was the first question laid before him. The deputation pointed out the very great possibilities of the Bay of Plenty, and the Minister all possible informa-

tion, including area and capabilities of

the Rangitaiki Plains and the rich flat' stretching from Whakatane through Waimana and Waiotahi and on to Opotiki. Also the area of bush land, and carrying capacity of the Urewera

Country, and a description of the two

million acres of land lying between Rotorua on the one hand, and Taupo ami Galatea on the other. Jt was pointed out to the Minister that the only outlet for this country was by rail to Tauranga via Paengaroa.

The Minister replied that his Govern-

ment was fully alive to the possibilities of the Bay cf Plenty and recog-

nised that a railway was absolutely necessary for the purpose of develop-

ing thjs vast and fertile area. The Government would push on this work as fast as possible, and promised that a sum equal to the amount voted last session would be placed on the Estimates this year. .The Minister said he was not in favour of branch lines being started until the main line had been completed. On the question being put more fully the deputation the Minister promised .to have a survey made between Rotorua and Paengaroa and that a connection would be made with Whakatane as soon aa the traffic warrants it. The Minister said there had been some delay with the plan for the' Te Puke courthouse. He promised to have the reason for delay inquired into and would see that the work ia done as soon aa possible. The Minister promised to keep the question of the reduction of freight on the Paengaroa-Tauranga railway in view and would have it done as soon as he could see his way clear to do so. The Minister promised to keep the question of the Paengaroa Post Office work in view, and would have it done as soon aa there is money available.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BOPT19150924.2.15

Bibliographic details

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 6496, 24 September 1915, Page 4

Word Count
614

RAILWAY LEAGUE. Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 6496, 24 September 1915, Page 4

RAILWAY LEAGUE. Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 6496, 24 September 1915, Page 4