THE MAIN LINE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 136, 16 May 1883, Page 2

THE MAIN LINE.

Wb are glad to learn to-day by telegram from the United Press Association that Wellington is alive to the importance of the question of the central railway route. A sub- committee of the Chamber of Commerce met yesterday, to enquire and rethe port as to beet route for the main trunk railway' through the No»«th Island. Sir W; -Fox attended by request and gave some valuable information as to the character of tho country lying between Mar 'On on "this side and the present Wjaikato terminus of the railway "at Te' Awamutu. He also expressedjhis views j as: to the practicability of carrying the line by that route,' and the suitability of the land for European settlement. The subcommittee also received and considered a report male by the surveyor as to the route referred to, and it.is understood;ihafc;itß length was reported to be 170 miles, and the cost of construction was pr'Ofefcsionaily' estimated to average the low<rate,of £5000 per mile. This would give an approximate 'total of £850%06l being " &160,000 less than the million voted by Pdrliament f6r corn*, dieting the North Island trunk railway. The sub-committee, before. reportmg,in detail the' chamber have decided to oblaip ,. Jurtheij , specific info'rination. The West Coast should forthwith .agft&fe vigbrdusly L tb strengthen the blantiq 1?C the; jDham^er of Commerce on this most momentous question. No stone must be left unturned, no effort untried, to establish the practicability of aproppßa^v?hich is fraught with such immenße^importaface to the whole West doast,'o'f T 'tni^,,ts)ii^ ! , . ,