STRATFORD-OKAHUKURA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 23 April 1926, Page 5

STRATFORD-OKAHUKURA.

THE NEW RAILWAY

EARLY COMPLETION URGED

At last evening’s quarterly meeting of the Hawera Chamber of Commerce, a letter from the Stratford Chamber asking for support to its recent request to the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, for the speedy completion of the Stratford-Main Trunk Railway, was received. The Chamber, while supporting the request, decided to acknowledge the work that had already been done, and a resolution expressing appreciation of this, but pointing out the advantages of the rapid completion of the railway was passed. The letter from the Stratford Chamber stated, inter alia: “The speedy completion of the railway is considered by this chamber to be of primary importance to Taranaki. Practically all local bodies in -the province have been associated in making representations to you urging energetic construction.” The letter proceeded by reminding the Minister of liis statement, at dimerent times, that preliminary work was under wav with a view to vigorous and comprehensive action, and suggested that when sufficient preparatory work had been done the officers of the department would be instructed to expedite this work.

The chairman, Mr E. Dixon, said that it had been stated that the railwaj r would prove an advantage to Stratford, but his personal feeling was that it would prove advantageous to the whole province, and for this reason the Chambers of Commerce should present a united front in an agitation for the early completion. He mentioned that the Minister had promised that when the Otira construction was finished the men would concentrate upon the Strat-ford-Main Trunk railway. It had been said that it was a simple matter to go through to Te Kuiti since the road had been improved, but the completion of the railway was an urgent necessity. Mr P. Bond enquired what was being done in connection with the construction, and Mr A. W. Wellstead, business agent for the Railway Department, said that although out of his department, he understood that the number of men •working at the camp at the railhead was to be increased shortly. Mr W. G. Walkley proposed, and Mr Fletcher seconded, a motion that support be given to the Stratford Chamber's resolution.

Mr Walkley remarked that while the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates undoubtedly had good intentions, he should be reminded of the necessity of the work being expedited. Mr Bond said that as the Chamber knew that there was at present a great deal of activity on the work, and preparations for more labour were being made, it would hardly be right to urge that the -work be proceeded with rapidly. It was decided to acknowledge the work being done, and to suggest that .t be expedited. [The Government’s intention to coicentrate on the completion of this rail--way is apparent from the preparations that are being made for the housing of workers on the Tangaraltau Flat, wheje the Public Works township of Raekohua is expected shortly to accommodate 500 men/ This settlement is a good four miles beyond Tahora, the present terminus of the open line, and construction work is in progress another mile or so farther on. At present there is a gap of some thirty miles between the railheads, and the work to be done includes a considerable amount of tunnelling, but already gangs are working from both sides in the task of boring the first big hill beyond Raekohua.]