EAST COAST DEVELOPMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18897, 20 December 1924, Page 10

EAST COAST DEVELOPMENT.

RAILWAYS AND ROADS.

PAEROA-POKENO SURVEY.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.] TAURANGA. Friday.

The Bay of Plenty Development League is in receipt of various communications from the Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister for Public Works, in connection with the Paeroa-Pokeno railway. Mr. Coates advises that a survey is being carried out, and to December 5 some 30 miles have been pegged. In a letter relative to the link line from Rotorua to the East Coast Main Trunk railway, Mr. Coates stated: "I have to advise'you that in view of the commitments which the Government has already to face in connection with railway construction, it was found that nothing could be done during the session just ended. The matter will, therefore, have to stand at that for the present."

Regarding the Opotiki-Matawai-Waioeka Road, Mr. Coates says: "The work is already in hand, and a contract amounting to £3000 is in progress. ' A programme for completion of the road within three years has ' been mapped out, and substantial provision to cover, this year's operations has been provided on the Estimates. The survey of a further two miles is also completed, and plans and specifications to enable tenders to bo called for the formation are, at present being prepared. The bridge plans are also in hand, and it is anticipated that my department will shortly be in a position to call tenders for tho erection of the bridges over the Sulphur. and Maukoro Streams."

In acknowledging a "letter from the league, asking whether anything further has been done towards throwing open farther areas of the Waihi swamp lands, the Minister for Lands, the Hon. D. McLeod. state-: "There, is approximately an area of ICOO acres situated to the north of the sections balloted for some years ago, which has been roaded and drained. The valuations and descriptions of this area arc complete, but the chief drainage engineer is of opinion that a considerable portion should be withheld owing to the risk of the land subsiding too low for successful farming. It is thought that this particular area would be more profitable if vised for flax-growing, and in this connection a special report is being obtained from the Agricultural Department as to the exact area that, should be thrown open. Upon receipt of this report tho matter will be again brought before me and steps will be taken to deal with the land as carinas possible."