WAITEMATA RAILWAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17460, 3 May 1920, Page 6

WAITEMATA RAILWAY.

PERMANENT SURVEY DESIRED

ACTIVITIES OF THE LEAGUE.

The first annual meeting of the Wait*mata Railway League— was initiated by the Dairy Flat League to further the proposal for • the construction of a railway from the northern shoTo of the Waitoinata Harbour to » point on the Helensvillo northwards jine—was held on Friday afternoon in tho Wailemata County Council's boardroom. The president, Mr., F. R. Powell, who occupied the chair, said tho policy carried out had been to concentrate on getting the principle of a railway established without regard to route, leaving that matter to the discretion of tho Government engineers. A promise was wen by the late Minister for Public Works that a survey would be made as soon as the services of engineers were available. Unfortunately, this was discounted by a later statement by the same Minister that the league had misunderstood him, and that only a, trial survey was meant. The latter had, however, alreadv been made, and it now remained to induce the now Minister for Publio Works, the Hon. J. G. Coatea, to order a permanent survey. Branches of the league had been formed at Dairy Flat, Upper Waiwcra, Wainui, Silverdale, Kaukapakapa, and Albany. Mr. F. Dye (Kaukapakapa) said the railway would cut off 20 miles of the worst grades of the line .between Auckland and Helensvillo, while it would give access to a quarry containing a \ery large supply of metal, which would be of considerable value in the construction of roads throughout tho North Shore districts. Mr. A. Harris, M.P., said ho believed that now Mr. Coatea had taken over the portfolio of Public Works tho objects of the league would prove to be much nearer consummation. lie was confident the lino would pay very well. Mr. "H. Day expressed tho opinion that if the Government was not prepared to finance- the railway private enterprise should Be allowed to do so. Mr. Harris said that if capital were forthcoming b» would guarantee to put a Bill through Parliament empowering the construction of the line by a private company. The election of officers resulted President, Mr. F. E. Powell, C.E.; vicepresidents, tho Hon. E. W. Alison, M.L.C., Messrs. A. Harris, M.P-. and W. Duncan; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mrs. E. M. Wills; committee, Messrs. C. Gardner, G. Creamer, H. Day, F. Heldt, B. Roberton, J. Knleht. W. MeNair. J. Miller, F. Dye, G. Weir, W. Cathie, W. Hooton and'.!. W. Million. It was resolved to invite the Hon- J. G. CoaU*s to go over the route at his earliest convenience.