TRACK OVER THE RANGE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2335, 29 September 1921, Page 3

TRACK OVER THE RANGE

PROPOSAL ADVANCED ANOTHER STAGE.

The Levin Chamber of Commerce at last meeting opened the question of the desirability of having a track made over the ranges to give connection between Levin and the Eketalnina district. The move on the part of the Chamber was the subject of ' a letter of congratulation from the Foxton Chamber, which was read at Monday night’s meeting of the Levin body as follows: “I am directed by my Chamber to congratulate your Chamber on its efforts .to arouse public interest in connecting the Wairarnpa and this coast by the formation of a trackover the ranges between Levin and Eketaluina. This matter was discussed at length at Monday night’s meeting, and it was decided to render your Chamber any assistance in 'our power to bring this important work of so much vital importance to this coast"to a successful consummation.”

Mr F. G. Roe stated that it*was seven or' eight years ago since this matter had first cropped up. From the end of Gladstone Road to the Mangalnm was four and a-lialf miles, and from the Eketaluina end to Mangalmo three and a-lialf miles. He thought it was an important thing to Levin and this coast if a road could he put through, as it was expected that large quantities of slock would he sent over from Wairarapa for the local sales. A proposal had been made that the road on this side should come out near Shannon, hut this was considered not to he so suitable as Levin, which was a stock centre. The grade from Gladstone Road to the Mangahao was good, and would present no difficulties. Mr Roc went on to say that Mr Smart was willing to arrange a party to go over the route about February next. He suggested that the Chamber should ask the Ekotahima Chamber to send a party from that end and meet at the Mangahao to discuss the matter. Mj; Roe considered that the opportunity should not be lost of arranging a party to go over, as the opening of the track would be a good thing for Levin in many ways. Mr A. Dempsey said there was a lot of agitation about this road at the time of the former Chamber of Commerce. A party had -arranged to go over the route, but bad weather had prevented it going on the day arranged, and the proposal fell through.

Mr Roc stated that a settler had been met down*in the vicinity of the Gladstone Road. He stated that he had come from Mangahao, and the grade of the track was good. Mr A. C. Holms said, as the outlet on (he Wairarapa or Bush side would lie between Eketahuna and Pahiatua, Pahiatua would also be interested; also the Tararna Power Board. Both these bodies should be communicated with.

In reply to Mr J. W. Rimmer, the secretary stated that the Levin Chamber was in communication with the Eketaluina Chamber on this matter, and a further reply was expected. Mr Rimmer said that being the case, lie would move that the question lie held over pending further information from Eketahuna. This was carried. —Chronicle.