RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16670, 15 October 1917, Page 4

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

PAEROA-POKENO LINE.

AUTHORISATION THIS SESSION. [by TELEGRAPH.— correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, Saturday. Speaking in the House of Representatives last evening, Mr. H. Poland (Ohinemnri) asked when a start was to be made with the construction of the Paeroa-Pokeno railway. Tho Hon. W. Fraser Raid he would bring in a Bill this session authorising the work.

Mr. Poland said he was very glad to h,aar it, because this work was not only of great local importance, but of general importance to the whole Auckland district. Proceeding, he , expressed regret that moire was not to be spent on the Waihi-Athenree section of the East Coast railway. Mr. Fraser: If . I can get the men I will spend more upon it. Mr. Poland lam sure it would be less difficult to get men for this line than for the Auckland line.

Mr. Fraser: ft is not so important. Mr. Poland: Well, I contend this East Coast is the most important line now under construction in New Zealand. It will open up an extent of undeveloped country equal to the whole of Taranaki, and possessing a better climate. This Waihi-Tauranga section has not received the attention by the Minister it should have received.

The Minister announced that in addition to the Authorisation Bill for the PaeroaPokeno lbe, there would also be a further authorisation for the North Island Main Trunk line beyond Kaikohe, so as to get it surveyed.