RAILWAY REQUIREMENTS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 567, 14 May 1913, Page 5

RAILWAY REQUIREMENTS.

.» APPLICATION FOR SIDING REFUSED. During the course of the Hon. Mr Herries' recent visit to Te Kuiti, representations were made to the Minister with a view to having a railway siding provided between Hangatiki and Otorohanga. The point a which the siding is required is where Ihe road which traverses the Rangitoto No. 1 settlement taps the railway. The following reply concerning the application has now been received by the chairman of the Waitomo County Council: —

"With reference to the representa- ! tiona made by the deputation from the Waitomo County Council that waited upon me recently urging that a siding should be provided between Hangatiki and Otorohanga, I have the honour to inform you that 1 find on inquiry that the distance between these stations is only about live and a half miles and only about a mile would be saved to the settlers of Rangitoto in carting their goods to the station if an additional one were provided. Every extra stopping place h a source of expense to the department and involves additional delays to trains. There are at present a large number of urgent and important works in contemplation, many of which will require to stand over until additional funds are available. In the circum- j stances I regret that at the present time I cannot see my way to authorise any expenditure in the direction desired."—W. H. HERRIES, Minister of Railways.

In replying to the deputation which brought the matter before him at Te Kuiti, the Minister stated he would procure reports on the subject from the departmental officers, and the reports are evidently of an adverse nature. It is to be hoped the application will be renewed in the interesta of the Bettlers generally. There is no doubt a great expansion in settlement in the locality will take place in the near future and the siding will become an imperative necessity to the settlers.