THE WAIHI-EAST COAST LINE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14924, 23 February 1912, Page 6

THE WAIHI-EAST COAST LINE.

As a result of the persistent action of the Auckland Railways League, the reluctant consent of Mr. R. McKenzie for the commencement of work at the Waihi end of the East Coast Line appears to have been obtained. It is fortunate, of course, for Auckland Province that the time when an autocratic Minister could flout provincial opinion and treat national interests with contemptuous indifference has gone by. Otherwise, it is hardly necessary to say, the opening of railway communication between Auckland and the East Coast, by way of Waihi, would be as far off as ever in spite of the sum named on the Estimates and voted by Parliament. For years this most important and promising section of what is really a great trunk line has been stubbornly opposed by the Government, in spite of the conclusive evidence that it will speedily prove a profitable investment, and the undeniable fact that it will greatly assist in the agricultural development of an extensive district. Every construction which the sultan-like Minister for Public Works viewed with favour was promptly taken in hand with much flourish of trumpets, but the continuation of the railway from Waihi to Tauranga might not have been ever contemplated for all the Departmental activity visible. The Auckland Railways League had actually to appeal to the Prime Minister in order to extract the civility of a reply to a courteous enquiry directed to Mr. 11. McKenzie. Thanks to this characteristic Ministerial attitude the summer is passing and the autumn is approaching before a single stroke of work is done on. this long-needed and duly-authorised extension. We do not think it possible for any prospective Administration to repeat this treatment of a great public matter, though for this we owe no thanks to those members who went to Wellington to support the Cabinet in which Mr. R. McKenzie has played a leading part.