BACKBLOCKS OF WANGANUI.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 3379, 21 November 1911, Page 5

BACKBLOCKS OF WANGANUI.

AND THE NEW RAILWAY

(Per Press Association.) WANGANUI, Nov. 20

The project to open up the backblocks of Wanganui by means of a railway to Raotihi Iras lately been actively revived here by the Chamber of Commerce. Tlie importance of the projected line has long been recognised, for some excellent country would be opened tip ,and seventy miles of line would, not be expensive to make. Three years ago the Hon. Hall-Jones, when AI mister of Public Works, promised to have the survey made when an official was available. ’ but his successor repudiated the promise. Now that £15,000 has been placed on the estimates for a portion of the route, that from the_ main trunk to Raetihi, an additional incentive has been given to the proposal. This is especially so as the Government electrical expert, Air. Parry, _ is reporting on the possibility of electrifying the Alain Trunk-Raetihi line. There are some remarkably fine falls on Alangaweroa River on the. proposed route, and this source for_ electric power stood second in the North Island among the recommendations, by_ tlie late Mr T. Hay, Government Engineer. It is urged to allow Air Parry to report on the possibility of electrifying the whole line to Wanganui. The Chamber ako asks the Government to fulfil at once the promise made three years ago by the Alinister of Public Works and have a survey made.