OPOTIKI RAILWAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23083, 7 July 1938, Page 18

OPOTIKI RAILWAY

DISCUSSION OF ROUTES LINE ALONG OHIWA HARBOUR LEAGUE VOICES OPPOSITION [BY TELEGRAI'}! —OWN CORRESPONDENT] OPOTIKI, Wednesday A special meeting of the Opotiki Railway League was held last night. The president, Mr. A. Davics, said it was reported that there was a likelihood of the railway to Opotiki coining alone the Ohiwa Harbour. The people of Opotiki had never anticipated such a route. It was considered, said Mr. Da vies, that if the line went through Puatoki and Waimana it Mas sure to pay its way. As far as the Ohiwa route was concerned, there was nothing in its favour and the line would never pay. The Opotiki people should strenuously object to the route going around the Ohiwa Harbour. Mr. S. Shalfoon said tho route along tlio Ohiwa Harbour would serve very poor country. Tho railway should go inland, where there was a large area of fertile country. In the event of' tho railway going to Whakatane. he would like to know what the department would do with tho line to Tancatua.

Tho following motion was carried unanimously:—"That this meeting of Opotiki county and borough residents views with alarm the proposal to construct the section of the east coast railway between Whakatane and Ohiwa instead of continuing the railway from Taneatua, via Ruatoki, Waimana and Waiotahi Valleys. We believe it to be an e,rror of judgment to construct a railway along the coast when fertile lands should be traversed. We urge tho Government to give effect to the promises previously made to continue the railway from Taneatua to Opotiki." It was decided to telegraph tlio resolution to the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, and the member for Bay of Plenty, Mr. A. G. Hultquist.