THE AUCKLAND-TARANAKI RAILWAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10838, 23 August 1898, Page 3

THE AUCKLAND-TARANAKI RAILWAY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l was one of those who strolled dowi\ street on? Saturday evening to attend and hear what the speakers at tho mass meeting of workers!?)had to sayin reference to the great question of the Taranaki Railway. I was extremely disappointed with the display made, and with tho exception of a reasonably clear statement by Mr. Cheal, who knew something of what he was talking about, I consider tho others were very deficient in ability to place before their audience what they really assembled for. All through their aim seemed to be to introduce the idea that a loan was necessary to do the proposed work, get up a howl of approval from the crowd, and tfigu they would have the audacity to say that the great mass meeting of workers of Auckland demand as one man that this work shall be done. Mr. Shera has already had the opportunity of urging the claims of this railway, but what has he yet dono in the matter? I have not been over tho whole of the route, but a great part of it, and was for some time in the locality of tho Oliura and Ongamhe, and am confident a line for a long time to come will not pay, there being nothing to carry, and as for passengers, I think it would consist of a few of those delicate individuals who do not like tho sea, and a very great number of those gentry who enjoy a free pass, and hang the expense of it so long as the country pays. This would bo the principal traffic. As for Taranaki trade, it is absurd to say that the lino can compete with sea-borne competition. The latter can be dono at about one-third the expense, and in less lime, and, if driven to compete, would do the trade at still less rates than now existing. Who, going from Auckland to Wellington or New Plymouth, would think of going round such a circuitous way as via Slratlord, when a smart and comfortable steamer will take'them for so much less? A lino for Taranaki should never have gono so far as the tunnel; the deviation should havo been fully 25 miles on this side. I am afraid tho construction of the tunnel has committed the line to the Central route, and it will go that way eventually. There are very few men in a position to speak from actual experience of the proposed linos. I have been a little amused at some of our local agitator* taking Mr. Ellis to task and criticising his statements ro the country. If there is one man who should and does know the country he speaks of it is Mr. J. W. Ellis. It was rather fortunate for the speakers on Saturday night that a little diversion by way of a fire occurred; it gave them an opportunity of getting down easily-I am, etc., A Worker. August 22, 1893.