MASTERTON-PONGAROA RAILWAY

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 325, 12 October 1908, Page 10

MASTERTON-PONGAROA RAILWAY

GOVERNMENT SURVEYOR'S REPORT. A contributor to tbo "Eketahuna Express" states that in connection with the proposed loop line of railway through Pongaroa to Waipukuraii, Mr Dobson, Government surveyor; has' made a reconnaissance survey of three', routes—one from Pahiatua, one from -Mau'riceville, and one from Mastortori. "This (Masterton) route," states Mr. Dobson, "seems the best on which to construct a line." _ ... The lino crosses the Te Ore Ore plain, and after traversing 11 miles enters the Tnueru Valley, which it follows for 11 miles, crossing into" the Tiraumea Valley at tho Waitawhiti 36J miles from Masterton. From AVaitaivhiti to Eketahuna is from 20 to 2J miles, according to the route followed, mak ins the distance to Wellington via Eketahunn about six miles more tlian'via Mastertori. But there the advantages of the Masterton route ends. The only consideration in putting this line through is to give a', outlet to' the settlers in the back-blocks am' to open up what is, perhaps, some of tli. best land in New Zealand for close settlement. . : The Eketahuna route, argues the correspondent of the "Express," is probably niucli easier than Masterton—certainly as good. To reach Waitawhiti via Eketahuna for all north goods and passengers is 20 to 22 miles and via Masterton it 58 miles. The advantage of the. six miles to Wellington is therefore lost completoh in this item alone. Then again there would be 16 miles moro railway to maintain. Th< railway would open just as' much country by coming to Eketahuna. It would tap small settlements like Pori," Saunders Road, Te Hoc, and the largo district around Alfredton, while going to Masterton it passes through country unfit for closc settlement till it reaches tho Taueru Valley.