FOXTON RAILWAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 194, 15 July 1930, Page 2

FOXTON RAILWAY

CONCERN OF SETTLERS. MEETING AT RANGIOTU. Arrangements have been made for an important to be held at Rangiotu to-morrow evening by the Dairy Farmers’ Union to discuss the Palmerston North-Foxtori railway, one of the branch lines to be considered by the lloyal Commission. There is stated to be considerable opposition to the suggestion that the line may be closed. The Palmerston North Chamber of Commerco and probably the Borough Council will be represented at the meeting. The Mayor of Foxton will attend and also the chairman of the Manawatu County Council, the latter to report on the Sandon tram service, which is a feeder to the Foxton line. Seeking information, Mr F. J. L«gg, secretary of the Rangiotu branch of the Dairy Farmers’ Union, forwarded the following telegram to Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Railways: “Urgent meeting residents, Palmerston North-Foxton railway, Rangiotu Hall, July 16th, 7.30, can you send official to attend, with figures of working this branch, and with information respecting any proposed alteration in the service.”

The Minister replied as follows: “Replying to your telegram, I regret that no officer is available at the present time as all are fully engaged in respect to the sitting of the Royal Commission. As this commission has extended invitations to those concerned, I suggest that you arrange for the commission to be supplied with any data which no doubt will have its fullest consideration.”

The settlers along the line are concerned, and have conferred with the Chamber of Commerce and other bodies having a promise of their assistance. They do not suggest that the line should continue at a great loss, but are quite confident that a service could be worked, with the large amount of merchandise carried, with no loss to the Railway Department.