MR. SEMPLE TURNS FIRST SOD

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 105, 28 January 1938, Page 13

MR. SEMPLE TURNS FIRST SOD

Paeroa-Pokeno Railway “DEFINITELY NO ROAD COMPETITION” Dominion Special Service. Paeroa, January 27. After completing a tour of the Thames electorate, embracing the whole of the Coromandel Peninsula, the Minister of Public Works, Hon. It. Semple, performed the ceremony of turning the first sod of the PaeroaPokeno railway at Paeroa to-day. The line cuts almost straight across the Hauraki Plains, joining Paeroa, which is the junction for the Thames, Bay of Plenty and Waikato railway system with the Main Trunk. The Pokeno line saves 46 miles on the Taneatua route, making the third side of a triangle formed by Pokeno, Frankton and Paeroa. Agitation for the liue began in 1908 and has been carried on sporadically since. In 1920 the line was authorised, but for several reasons construction was postponed. There was a scene of enthusiasm today. More than 350 local body and official guests attended, including Mr. Wood, chief Public Works engineer, and Auckland railway oflicials. The speakers at the ceremony included Messrs. J. Thorn, C. H. Burnett and C. R. Petrie, M.P.’s; J. N. Massey, Franklin County chairman; W. R. Fee, Auckland Chamber of Commerce. The- mayor of Paeroa, Mr. W. Marshall, presented Mr. Semple with a miniature silver spade. The Minister tossed the first sod into a wheelbarrow amid cheers. The town was en fete and 2500 were present at the ceremony. The speakers stressed the importance of the line to the provincial and Dominion railways system, enabling cheaper and faster transport to and from the Bay of Plenty and Auckland. Mr. Semple announced that definitely no road competition would be allowed. He stated that modern mechanical methods were employed to shorten the time of construction, estimated to cost £1,150,000 and employ 400 men. The department considers the line suitable for railcars, and it is practically certain to run that type of service.