NORTH RAIL LINK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22314, 26 April 1947, Page 6

NORTH RAIL LINK

PRACTICAL ROUTE MATAWAI—OPOTIKI SUBMISSION TO MINISTER The prospect of linking up Matawai and Opotiki by rail was discussed at the annual meeting of the Gisborne branch of Federated Farmers, Incorporated, when Mr. C. H. Cooper submitted the results achieved by Mr. E. Glanville in a recent series of surveys. Mr. Cooper stated that Mr. Glanville had put in excellent work first by an aerial survey and later by a ground survey. The surveyor, who was keenly interested in the project, had accepted only out-of-pocket expenses from a fund provided by several public-spirited men. The product of his work was a conviction that a suitable route from Matawai to Opotiki for railway construction was available, and that engineering difficulties were not insuperable. It had been disturbing, said Mr. Cooper, to know that some officers of the Works Ministry considered it impossible to secure a suitable grade between the two points mentioned, and that attention was being diverted to the construction of a special highway. Of Vital Importance The information gathered by Mr. Glanville was of vital importance, saod Mr. Cooper, who suggested that the farmers ’organisation should secure the co-operation of labour organisations in putting it before members of Parliament. Members of the Gisborne branch showed keen interest in the scheme, as submitted on a scale plan which showed a railway route of approximately the same length as the existing State highway between Matawai and Opotiki. Mr. Cooper stated that the steepest grade on the projected line was one in 60, whereas the maximum grade allowed by the Public Works Department scale was one in 40. He also mentioned the activities of the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce in connection with the northern rail link, and suggested that there should be a joint deputation to the Minister of Works arranged to press the issue of the route. The meeting authorised the president, Mr. F. E. Humphreys, and Mr._ Cooper to prepare the project for submission to the Minister of Works, the committee being given power to co-opt any assistance which might be desired. Mr Cooper was accorded a vote of thanks for the work in connection with the rail investigation and the secretary was directed to forward an expression ol keen appreciation to Mr. Glanville.