THE TAUPO-TOTARA RAILWAY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 242, 29 September 1911, Page 5

THE TAUPO-TOTARA RAILWAY.

EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COMMISSION.

ADVOCATES OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE. 11‘Ell PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Sept. 29. The Parliamentary Committee which is reporting on the petition of the Taupo-Totara Timber Company met again to-day. The chairman read a telegram from a meeting held at. Putaruru urging favourable consideration of the company’s proposals. A similar message was also read from the Taupo District Railway League.

Mr. Edward Earle Vaile, n farmer of Waiotupn, owing 500.000 acres, said the proposed line would go within five miles of his land. He thought Government should construct the line from Rotorua to Taupo, and its success would lie as.ll red by the tourist traffic alone, but it was improbable that the line would be started within ihirtv years, therefore private enterprise should bo encouraged, and he 'lid not chink Government’s right cf purchase should be exercised f ;;' a reas-

onable period. He suggested the company might be allowed to charge higher rates than it was stated they dill, for say five years. He did net oppose the company's bind purchase proposal. Replying to questions, he said the rechcme would undoubtedly de harm to Rotorua; lie thought the ("'inpany had acquired the actual tl’crmiJ rites and this should be safe-guarded against ; he had been farming for four years, ami bo was more satisfied every day that the country would lie occupied by close settlement. The chairman : Which in your opinion would bo the best line for the whole district Tlie line from Rotorua, as there is settlement on the route. There is little < " none on tlie other. Replying to Mr. Dalziell, witness laid that although he thought Roto-riia-Taupo Hue the better one. jj ( ‘ ri.ii' favoured the company’s proposals on the principle that ‘liili'-'i-'oaf is better than no bread.’’ Mr. William Luxfcrd, farmer, of Hamilton, also strongly supported the company’s proposals.