EAST COAST RAILWAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23036, 13 May 1938, Page 13

EAST COAST RAILWAY

Sir, —In regard to the report that Cabinet has decided to undertake a fresh survey of the missing link on the East Coast railway, it will interest readers to know that several survey parties spent many 'years on this line prior to 1929, when over 60 miles of trial lines were laid off on the eightmile section between Taneatua station and Waimana flats. Even if it is thought' necessary to improve the curves laid off on the central portion in the Waimana Gorge, there is nothing to prevent the Prime Minister's January promise to 6tart formation in three months being given effect to at once. From Taneatua station directly onward there is a mile of flat so level and straight that with little formation the rails could be laid now. Across Waimana flats, where many * miles of trial lines were surveyed, light formation work could be started next week and the Prime Minister's promise redeemed. If any reader interested in increasing our production of exports will measure the gap on this trunk line as shown on the map attached to the railway time-table, he will find that it is only 28 miles in a straight line, and it will be the only break when the Gisborne section is finished in a year or so. In. referring to the Gisborne line, it is interesting to note that, when this is open, .the Poverty Bay farmers will be able to have their sheep frozen at Wellington and conveyed almost to England in lees time than is now required to drive them over to the Taneatua station on their way to Auckland. On further examination of this map, we realise ho>v niggardly Bay of Plenty residents have been treated in the matter of railway construction, while they were taxed to build, lines in other parts of the Dominion. If wo dpaw a straight line oil this map from Napier to New Plymouth, it will cross four Government railway lines. Again, if we draw a line from Ta'uranga Harbour to Kawliia Harbour, on the west coast, there will be also, four railway lines crossed. Yet again, if we strike a straight line from Invcrcargill to Waikare station, north of Christchurch, wo will cross 110 less than I.'} railway-'lines. With these facts laid bare, there is ample justification for the carrying out of the Prime Minister's, promise to connect up the East Coast railway by the construction of the missing link without looking for further excuses for delay. 1 - Only Baive Justice.- •. ' ;.■■■■■■ t ' l w '