RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13839, 27 August 1908, Page 5

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

THE SOUTH MAIN TRUNK. [BY TELEGRU'H. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Wednesday. The Minister for Railways was asked by Mr. Gray to-day whether, now that the North Island Main Trunk line is practically completed, he will place a substantial turn on the forthcoming Public Works Estimates tor tho more active prosecution of the South Island Main Truuk line, between Blenheim and Waipara, and thus complete through railway communication between Auckland and the Bluff. He. received the following reply:—"The representations which have been made urging the more vigorous prosecution of the South Island Main Trunk railway will receive full consideration when the Public Works Estimates for the year are being compiled. In considering the relationship between tho approuchiug completion of the North Island Main Trunk railway and the more vigorous prosecution of other lines oi railway, it must be. borne in mind that it will he necessary to allocate a considerable sum of money to meet the expenditure which has taken place since March 31, and will take place up to the time :>f completion of tne North Island Main Trunk railway."' [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS association.] Eltham, Wednesday. A public meeting last night unanimously passed a motion.urging the Government to construct a line from Opunake to Eltham, for the following, among other, reasons: The country between Opunake and Eltham is densely settled, a railway reserve is now vested in the Government, the upkeep of the Eltham Road is almost beyond the financial powers of the settlers, and a railway would relieve it. ri. strong committee was formed to press the Government to publish the reports of engineers and estimates for the various possible routes.