TOKOROA RAILWAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17493, 29 August 1928, Page 7

TOKOROA RAILWAY.

LOWER FREIGHTS DESIRED. MR DALZIELL MEETS SETTLERS. (Special to Times.) TOKOROA, Wednesday. A largo gathering of Tolcoroa residents and settlers yesterday met Mr F. G. Dalziell, chairman of the Taupo Totara Timber Company, to discuss the question of the freights charged to settlers on goods carried on the company’s private railway. Speakers pointed out lhat the chief need of the district was lower freight on manure. To obtain this it seemed necessary either that the Government should subsidise the company or that the first 19 miles of the line should be made suitable for the carrying of Government rolling stock. If possible, the Government should take over this portion of the line entirely. In replying to these suggestions, Mr Dalziell said that his company would be only too willing to co-oper-ate with the settlers and the Government in anything that would be for the good of all concerned. He thought the time was opportune for the settlers to form a strong association and put their position before the Prime Minister. The Government’s action in commencing work on the RotoruaTaupo line • practically committed it to a policy of development of pumice country. It was quite likely also to be possible to obtain a conference consisting of the Prime Minister, the heads of the Agricultural and Railway Departments, two representative settlers and himself. Mr H.' IT. Bryant thought the suggested formation of a strong settlers’ association a good one. but he was of opinion that the settlers’ position would be greatly strengthened if Ihe company would make a definite statement ns regards its own railway policy as affecting the question under discussion. Mr Flavell supported this view, and said that unless some radical reduction in freight rates were possible, cartage by motor lorry would be the best proposition for settiers. Mr Dalziell: Yes, lhat might be so.

Mr Fitzgerald pointed out that if the Government thought freight rates were possible, it would mean a saving of 10s per ton to settiers. Mr Alcorn then asked M_r Dalziell if ho thought io is company would have any objection to a Government subsidy to pay the difference between the present freight and the Government rate.

Mr Dalziell replied that, his company would have no objection. Mr Alcorn then put the suggestion in the form of a resolution that the Government should be asked to so subsidise the company lhat settlers could get goods carried at through Government rates. This resolution was seconded byMr K. s. Cox, and carried. A vote of thanks to Mr Dalziell concluded the meeting. MEETING AT PUTARURU. FREIGHT REDUCTION OFFERED. •Special io Times.) p uTA RU RU, We dn e sday. Last evening Mr Dalziell addressed a meeling at Put.nruru. He informed those present lhat he had discussed the matter of freights with the manager of his company, Mr Coupe, and it had been decided that the company should offer a reduction of one-third in the freight on manures. and of 20 per cent, on other goods. ?Ie mentioned that the company was endeavouring to get all the other timber owners of the district, including the Government, lo take over the branch railway. The meeling passed a resolution identical with lhal adopted at Tokoroa.