A RAILWAY WANTED.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 281, 20 August 1908, Page 9

A RAILWAY WANTED.

REQUEST FROM PONGAROA.

To again advance the claims of Pongaroa to a branch railway a deputation, headed by Messrs. A. W. Hogg and E. B. Ross, M.P.'s, yesterday interviewed the Minister for Railways.

Mr. Hogg pointed out that owing to the absence of road metal a railway was an absolute necessity. The district was closely settled, and yet was almost completely isolated.

Mr. R. B. Ross supported theso remarks. Mr. M'lntyrc, representing tho Pongaroa Railway League, urged that the line be constructed from Waipukurau. 'A dairy factory had heon established somo time at Pongaroa, but the difficulties of transit had forced settlors to accept for their butter. He showed tho difficulties under which the factories wero run. Tho district was losing its' population, several settlors having sold out.' 1

Mr. M'Donald (Pongaroa'Railway League) and Mr. J. S. Mason (Chairman of the Masterton Chaniber of Commerce) also spoke. The Minister,' in replying, said, tho deputation was only one of many that made similar requests. The Government wanted to know whoro to start. Tl'ith tlm North Island _ Main Trunk completed tho most deserving and urgent of other linos would thon be considered, A lino from Masterton to Pongaroa, "Weber, and Dannevirko, was estimated to cost £552,750 or £6107 ■ per milo. ' A line via Pahiatua and Dannevirko was estimated to cost £450,363. Ho did not, however, think that any line through the district could bo constructed at a less cost than £7600 per milo. With tho money required l this year for tho Main Trunk''it would not be possiblo to do a groat deal-for now lines. He promised to lay. tho matter before Cabinet. If the lino was going to increase the value of largo estates, that aspect of the matter would also have to bo taken into'consideration.