ELECTRIC TRAIN SCHEME.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14210, 26 May 1910, Page 7

ELECTRIC TRAIN SCHEME.

ROTORUA TO TATPO. Tudor this heading the "Rotorua limes," says.—We have had brought under our notice a scheme which should commend itself favourably to all classes of the community, namely, the utilisation of electric power generated at the I-luku Falls to run electric trams from Rotorua. to Taupe. The cost of laying down a light tramwav would bo considerably less than that of constructing n railway, and tho grades taken could be far greater, thus obviating the necessity for expensive tunnels and cuttings. The route would open up some splendid scenery and would give the finest tourist jouruev in New Zealand. The distance from Rotorua to Tiupo is 56 miles, Maiotami and \\nirakei being passed on the way, ooth places of groat interest on account of the thermal wonders thev contain. From Taupo to Tokaanu is 25 miles by boat across Lake Taupo and amidst magnificent scenic surroundings. From Tokaanu to Wai-o-uru on the Main Trunk is 44 miles. This gives a total distance from Rotorua to the Main Trunk south of Alt. Ruapehu of 125 miles, and the advantages and variety of the trip aro such that manv of the passengers from Auckland smith, and vice versa, would prefer the picturesoue central route to the present one. Thus between tourists and ordnary travellers a. good passenger traffic would be assured. The running expenses would not be heavy, and tho scheme has much to recommend it. It would develop th» whole of the thermal districts; would make our great lake easily accessible, and, as the lino could also he used for the carriage of goods, would open up the country as well as an expensive railway. Tho Government say that they intend to develop tho great national asset of water power, and there is a good opportunity. If the undertaking is not favourably regarded by the State, it would probably be taken up, and carried through, by private enterprise.