GISBORNE-MOTU RAILWAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15243, 5 March 1913, Page 8

GISBORNE-MOTU RAILWAY.

VISIT OF INSPECTION. PROGRESS .OF THE WORK. [BY telboraph.—-own COEHESrONDENT.] Gisborne, Tuesday. Ideal weather prevailed for the trip along the railway line, which the Hon. W. H. Hemes made to-day, accompanied by representatives of various local bodies. About 50 or 60 prominent citizens accompanied the Minister for Railways, including Sir James Carroll, the Mayor (Mr. W. Pettie), and Mr. W. D. S. Macdonald, M.P. / ' ' | • At Otoko the party transferred to the public works train, and as passenger;cars are not yet allowed to run on tins un?. opened line, the journey was made in open trucks provided with seats for the occasion. On arrival at Rakuroa at mid-day, the party was met by Messrs. J. B. Clark (chairman of the Matawai Settlers' Association), Donovan' (chairman of the Motu Settlers' Association), and a number of other settlers from the surrounding districts, and after lunch a welcome was extended to the Minister by the Motu and Matawai representatives. Representations were also made respecting the progress of the railway, and various other local matters. These were favourably received by Mr. Hemes. At half-past one o'clock the party rejoined the train, continuing the trip to the railhead, 41 miles from Gisborne. This point ie a few ch»i-- past the Summit cutting, 1960 ft above Gisborne, and about 2£ miles from M&tawm. It is expected that the rails will roach Matawai in four or five weeks' time. This coming winter should see the service running to this point, 45 miles from Giftborne. .',"", , After a general inspection, a start was made on the journey back to town. : , To-morrow Mr. Hemes attends the opening of the hui at To Arai.