THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY

Taranaki Daily News, 13 August 1930, Page 15

THE OPUNAKE RAILWAY

BENEFICIAL TO THE DISTRICT. z SHOULD IT BE CLOSED? “We fought for 40 years to get the railway and we must be prepared to fight for 40 years before we give it up,”' remarked Mr. J. Young at the meeting of the Egmont County Council yesterday when discussing a circular received through the Opunake Town Board notifying that the Railway Commission would be taking evidence in connection with the operation of all railway branch lines. Mr. J. S. Tosland said the Opunake railway was a matter which concerned the whole district and the council should certainly appoint a representative of the settlers to give evidence if its existence was threatened. He believed, however, that the railway was paying working expenses. It certainly was a great benefit to the district, particularly in regard to the transport of fertiliser. If it were closed they would have to pay more for their fertiliser. It was of great advantage in connection with st ck. Before closing it the department should be asked to meet representatives of the district as far as Te Roti to see if some working arrangement could not be arrived at equitable to all concerned. Mr. J. F. Shepherd said he did not think there was any intention of closing the Opunake line. Mr. Collins agreed that it would be a great pity to close the line. In any case the settlers should first be given an opportunity of co-operating with the department. What was Opunake doing in the matter? he asked. Mr. Shepherd: Apparently it is not interested. Mr. Collins: Opunake’s hope is water transport. The member for the district knew whether the railway was paying. Mr. Collins understood it was paying working expenses but not for the cost of construction. Members pointed out that there was no likelihood of the railway being closed as the department had accepted contracts for the transport of produce from three factories and these had two years to run. Mr. Tosland moved that the clerk be instructed to write to the Railway Commission pointing out that if there was any suggestion of closing the line the council would like to produce evidence as it felt that the line paid working costs and was justified. All the members agreed that the line was beneficial to the district and the motion was carried.