MOTUHORA LINE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11384, 9 December 1930, Page 6

MOTUHORA LINE

FEARS OF CLOSING .DOWNT'

MORE SUPPORT WANTED

APPEAL TO SETTLERS

An appeal for more loyalty to the railway is being issued by Matawai settlers who have fears that the lino between Gisborne and Motuhora may be closed down, or, at least, the present service curtailed. The matter was freely discussed at a meeting of the Matawai Settlers’ Association, whereat Mr. John Hope presided. It was decided to ciircularise all settlers between the rail-head and Te Kanaka, asking them to support the railway in preference to motor transport, and it was also resolved to forward a copy of the circular to the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce.

This circular points out that the line is practically on trial and that the discontinuance or curtailment of services would be caused by compotition from motor transport, for which came mainly by freights offering nearer Gisborne. “We. are becoming concerned, however, at the growing activities of motor transport in our own district,” the circular continues. “If the rail service once ceases operation, or is eveu curtailed, such a fillip will be given to motor transport that it- will bo most difficult to persuade tlie Department to reinstate the service. Nothing would take its place in the trucking of fat stock, timber, etc., and our prospects ot through -connection with Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington would have vanished. Not only this, but our land itself would denreciate in value. “It is quite likely that motor transport services might oiler advantages to-day, hut it is unlikely that they would continue after the railway service ceased, and we should t-lien be faced with higher freights than with the rail, and with an added burden in .county rates lor extra maintenance of the highway. Indeed, this latter circumstance would probably kill the timber industry, and ■\vo would receive no sympathy ironi either the road or rail authorities for having held so cheaply the benefit* of our lost rail service.” In conclusion, the circular pointed out that tliev mialit not be able to influence tlie settlers' nearer G'shoriio, but it wus argued that lojulty to the railway might stand then m .rood stead. If the public went be- • voncl tlie railways with their lussfhess. the loss in revenue would have to be made good bv taxation.