PROPOSED TRAMLINE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 94, 3 April 1912, Page 4

PROPOSED TRAMLINE.

We feel confident that the information which we were able to place before the public yesterday with regard to the suggested construction of a tramline from Hastings to Pukititiri will have been received with keen appreciation. It is a sound business proposition which cannot fail to appeal strongly- to every man in the district. The countiy inland from Hastings is capable of great development and the safest and speediest way. tn bring about that development is to open up the byrail. A full fledged railway, is of course, out of the question, because Government has sternly set its face against any private enterprise in this direction. But there is no objection to a tramway and it could be constructed under conditions which would give the Government ample guarantee against anything in the shape of a monopoly. Plans of action have not yet been largely- developed, but before many days have passed it is hoped to evolve a comprehensive scheme. At present if is suggested that the work should be done by way of a special loan raised by- the County Council over a rating area agreed upon by- mutual consent of those directly interested. So far as can be seen at present there are no unsuperable obstacles in the way of such a proposed course. The local body has the machinery to raise the necessarymoney if the property owners served by the line agree to give the necessary- security. At the present juncture it is not possible to say how much would be required for the work or the class of tram which would be adopted. All these things can be decided later on. In the meantime it would be a good thing to have a trial survey made of the best routes available and an estimate given of the probable cost. VZe should then have something definite to go upon and a complete scheme could be formulated and placed before the people. The settlers along the inland portion of the line are reported to be only too ready to push the project along and will give land and authority for rating with hearty accord. To Hastings business men the plan will also highly- commend itself as it opens up great possibilities of lucrative trade and guarantees the town generallyquickened industry. As time passes it might place Hastings in direct communication with Taupo and connect with the suggested Taupo Totara Company’s proposed extension. Those Hastings people who felt somewhat disappointed at the decision of .Government to take the short Patane route for the main trunk line, have in this tram proposal something offering substantial compensation. The main trunk line onlyoffered the position of a wayside station. The new proposal, when carried into effect, would make the town an important terminus for the back country- trade. Development of the district would also be a good thing for Napier as the port must handle the trade no matter where the line runs. We have every- confidence that the project will be pushed along and we shall be pleased to meet any of the public who are interested in the work, so that all possible informationmay- be collected regarding the route and its resources.