RAILWAY WORK

DUPLICATION OF LINE

WATERLOO TO UPPER HUTT

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Published comment regarding the Upper Hutt-Waterloo railway duplication did not correctly set out the position as the matter had not yet been considered by Cabinet and therefore the information was based upon wrong premises, the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) stated today. Having regard to the large number of people whose properties would be affected by the extension of the line from Waterloo to Silverstream and the disturbance which such ap announcement was likely to create in the minds of such property owners, it was unfortunate that an announcement of this nature was made without authority, of any Mnd, he said.

"It is true," said Mr. Sullivan, "that some formation work is being carried out between Upper Hutt and Silverstream, but this work is being done merely to relieve seasonal unemployment in accordance with the Government's recently announced plan. Work of a similar nature is being carried -out in many parts of the Dominion.. The line between Upper Hutt and Silverstream offers no difficulties from an engineering standpoint and the earthwork now being done required no detail planning or survey, thus making it eminently suitable for the purpose of giving immediate employment of a useful nature. In .planning for the relief of unemployment the Government has constantly in mind the necessity of preparing for future development which certainly must be anticipated in an area such as the Upper Hutt Valley." STATION MOVED. Referring to the transfer of the passenger station from Pitcaithlys to Andrews, Mr. Sullivan said that this change had no relation to any general scheme for the improvement of railway facilities in the Hutt Valley, but was done merely to serve more conveniently the transport needs of people living in the district. In actual fact, the change was decided upon over two years ago. The settlement in the vicinity of the new station is several times greater than the population adjacent to Pitcaithlys and this was the only reason for the change. '

In conclusion, the Minister stated that the Government wished it to be clearly understood that no decision has been reached with respect to the extension of the line between Waterloo and Silverstream.