RENARD ROAD TRAIN

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 242, 18 February 1911, Page 8

RENARD ROAD TRAIN

MINISTER FAVORS EXPERIMENT BEIXG TRIED. Dunedin, February 15. At Pembroke last evening a large deputation waited on the Hon. J. A. Millar, when the chief question discussed was the matter of railway extension to Lake Wanaka. Various settlers put the case for the extension before the Minister, extolling the scenic beauties and productice resources of the district. The settlers were greatly handicapped through the cost of transit for produce to market. ' t The Minister said the main object of his visit was to make himself personally acquainted with the nature of the country so as to assist him in dealing with questions affecting railways and irrigation. It was often very pleasant and easy for a man in his position to say "yes" to requests put before him, but in regard to the early extension of the Otago Central line he 'could not hold out much hope. The Government were very desirous of opening up the country. There were limitations as to the amount which the Government could borrow. Ho did not think Parliament as at present constituted would sanction any great expenditure on the Otago Central extension. What might be tried with advantage in the district was the Renard system of road tram, with which experiments were being tried in Queensland. If after seeing the district he thought such a system would be suitable he would be prepared to ask Cabinet to authorise him to try it as an experiment between Clyde and Wanaka. He explained the working of the Renard train, which would travel at a speed of from six to eight miles an hour. In regard to the proposal to instal a motor service between Clyde and Wanaka during the summer season he would be prepared to support any recommendation the Minister in charge of the Tourist Department might make in this direction. The Minister said he had great hopes of the benefit likely to accrue to the district from irrigation, but in any system adopted settlers using the "water won hi have to contribute towards the cost of the water used on their lands