WEST COAST REQUIREMENTS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14065, 20 August 1913, Page 4

WEST COAST REQUIREMENTS.

e aro reminded, when considering railway matters, that the West Coast of this island is not alive to its interests. Not only in Auckland, but in other parts of the Dominion, Bailway Leagues are displaying considerable activity. A couple of weeks ago the Wairarapa League placed before the Government certain requests concerning the Masterton-Waipukurau, Limutaka deviation, and Martiuborough lines. On Monday a deputation representiug the South Island Main Trunk Baihvay League and Kaikoura local bodies urged ou tho Prime Minister the necessity for completing the South Island Main Trunk line, and asked for a vote of .£IOO,OOO. Iho Auckland League is asking for i'too,ooo for various lines, and rhe Last Coast’ and other Baihvay Leagues are incessant in their demands. About three years ago, if wo mistake not, a League was formed at Palmerston, at which Wanganui was represented, to watch West Coast and other interests, but the movement seems to have died a natural death. Tins is most unfortunate, for the necessity for branch lines of railway on this cou.sl and inland is more pressing than ever. Experience has long since taught that the districts which shew the greatest progress aro those where the people iuok after their own interests. A late Premier once twitted the people of Wanganui with being themselves responsible for the backward state of the inland roads, and the rebuff was not altogether unjustified. The matter of railway requirements for tho West Const should bo carefully watched by a Baihvay League, and some effort should be made to revive interest iu the organisation formed at Palmerston several years ago. Such a League would prove of material afsistance in furthering the Wan-ganui-Baetihi. railway, while Wanganui a influence could be extended in assisting other requisite branches on the coast and inland. The subject is one the Wanganui Chamber, of. Commerce might with advantage consider.