RAILWAY TO OPOTIKI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20596, 21 June 1930, Page 16

RAILWAY TO OPOTIKI.

EXTENSION STRONGLY URGED REQUEST TO MINISTERS. NATIONAL IMPORTANCE URGED. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] OPOTIKI, Friday. The committno set up by the Bay of Plenty Development Leaguo at the annual meeting at Opotiki has framed the following resolution regarding the East Coast railway, which will bo sent on to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Works and the district members of Parliament:—"At the annual meeting of the league, which was attended by delegates of all local bodies in the Bay of Plenty, it was rosolved strongly to urge the Government to place a sum of money on the Estimates during the coming session of Parliament for tlie immediate construction of the line from Taneatua to Opotiki. In support of this request, the leaguo respectfully submits the following facts:— (1) The prenianent survey has been completed and the lino was authorised as far back as 1915; (2) Sir Joseph Ward promised a deputation last July that provision would be made this year; (3) the Minister of Public Works, in the 1929 Public Works Statement, stated the construction of this section would bo commenced when lines Hearing completion were out of hand. Wo understand that some of tho works referred to havo been completed; (4) tho importance of completing this section as part of the through connection from a revenue-earning point of view will bo obvious. We would submit that it is of national importance that the connection should be made, and Ibis fact has been acknowledged by several responsible Ministers and every political party from time to time. With tho completion of tho Motu Bridge and other work on the OpotikiEast Cape road the prospect of profitable business has been greatly improved and with further oxtension of tho above road, it is confidently anticipated that a largo traffic will come from as far as Waiapu County. There is no district ill which larger numbers of stock are raised, and rail connection with the Waikato is essential.

In view of all the facts and the promises that have been made, this league considers that no line has such strong claims to consideration, and strongly urges that the necessary financial authority be made this year.