A RAILWAY PROJECT.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1922, Page 4

A RAILWAY PROJECT.

ROTORUA TO TAUPO. REPORT OF COMMISSION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last The report of 'the Royal Commission appointed to investigate the question of constructing and working a railway between Rotorua and Taupo and connecting with the Government railway at Rotorua was laid on the table of the House to-day. The commissioners reported that in their opinion the Taupo-Totara Timber Company’s tramway was not suitable for the carriage of passengers and did not serve the Government forest plantations. On the other .hand the commissioners say that should it be decided to assist settlement in the district under Section 11 of the Land Laws Amendment Act of 1919 a railway would be necessary for the development of this district. The extent of traffic which might b? expected from such a railway is estimated to produce £61,492, provided the line is completed and open for traffic within the next ten years. It is very doubtful, however, if the revenue derived from such a railway would meet working expenses .and interest on the capital cost of £7'50.000, if that interest is calculated at four per cent. The extent of country served by such a railway is estimated at 1,250,000 acres, of which, however, a very limited portion is fit for settlement. On this point further investigation is necessary. The route (generally) <which should be adopted is from Rotorua, by way of the Hemo Gorge, to Waiotapu, thence keeping to the right bank of the Waikato River to the Taupo township.