Rimutaka Deviation

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 220, 13 June 1936, Page 15

Rimutaka Deviation

Sir, —I read with interest the letter over the signature of Mr. Kristian Hansen on the above subject. His remarks do not affect me, as I do not pin my faith on the Rimutaka route. All I am concerned about is thqt we get a better road or track that can be traversed without so much cost to the country. The new railcars will be a benefit lo passenger traffic, but, sir, they will not reduce the heavy haulage charge on, freight to or from the Wairarapa. But for this hill, all the East Coast traffic would go this way instead of on the West Coast railway line, which gets overcrowded. Regarding Mr. Hansen’s suggestion of a public road from this coast to the West Coast, I have already written. My suggestion was for a road up the Waiohine and on the south side of The Cone and over the lowest part of Mount Hector and so on to Otaki. This would shorten the distance considerably for passenger traffic and also for stock and goods either I way. !

It is being reported that the rail-car Went via West Coast on Sunday because of the heavy wear and tear on the centre rail coming down the Rimutaka. This I do not know of first knowledge, so make the inquiry and trust it can be refuted. — I am, etc., MARK MAXTON. Greytown, June 10. [Mr. G. H. Maekley, general manager of railways, points out that as there is no centre-rail braking equipment on the railcar it is impossible for that vehicle to damage the centre rail on the Rimutakas.J