EAST COAST LINE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 7, 19 December 1911, Page 4

EAST COAST LINE.

PROTEST FROM HASTINGS

Tlie Hon. R. McKenzie has informed a -Poveity Bay Herald" reporter that the first sod of the Napier section <>f tlie blast Coast. line should be turned shortly after the Christmas holidays. Operations at the southern end are at present being concentrated upon the initial stages of this important undertaking Mr. Hardins.the engineer in charge, is engaged upon the location work, vvhilsi .Mr. Crawford is conducting the survey operations. "The first problem.-’ The Minister stall'd

"was the crossing of the harbour at tiie Spit to Petane. From there the line runs northwards up the fisk Valley." Immediately upon learning what the Minister had said the Hastings Railway Petition Committee met and resolved to send the following telegram :— Sir Joseph Ward, Wellington. When and where can yourself and Minister Public Works receive deputation re East Coast Railwayroute. Please wire reply. Roderick McKenzie. Minister Public Works, Wellington. "Poverty Bay Herald’’ representative publishes interview with you in which he alleges you indicated route Wellington-Gisborne railwaysettled as along Petane Beach and Esk Valley. In face of telegrams from Sir Joseph Ward and yourself re our petition surely this is incorrect. Please wire reply, also state when and where Sir Joseph Ward and yourself can receive deputation with petition. The telegrams are signed byMessrs. H. A. Messman, D. Whyte and G. S. C'lapham.