"WASTE MONEY"

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 35, 13 February 1929, Page 6

"WASTE MONEY"

TA.UPO-ROTOKUA KAUAI AT.

UNWANTED AND UNNECESSARY,

CHRISTCHURCH, February 12,

“The farming and business communities of the Taupo district sec no need or justification for the proposed Taupo railway,” said Mr H. M. Chrystal, a Christchurch civil engineer, who has just returned from a tour of the. North Island. Mr Chrystal said that the opin ions of responsible men in the Taupo and Rotorua districts were that the connection was unwanted and unnecessary. The proposed railway had been planned for construction during the term of the Coates Government and had been objected to since the time of its inception. At present the preliminary work m connection with the establishment of the line was in progress.^ “Business men in that area ho d the opinion that the proposed line will help no useful area in the country beyond serving as a link between Taupo and Rotorua,” said Mr Chrystal. “It is difficult to see that any material advantage will result in regard to land settlement, and there are many other farm areas in other centres, which could, be 'opened up with greater advantage. ' Mr Chrystal 91 said that the Taupo people failed' to see the object of the railway, which would he in their opinion a waste of money.