FUTURE ASSURED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 222, 3 July 1939, Page 3

FUTURE ASSURED.

RAiLWAYS IN THE DOMINION.

PART PLAYED IN DEVELOPMENT

(Per Press Association). WAIROA, July 1

The part played by the railways in the development of the Dominion, and the problem of soil erosion were dealt with by the Hon. D. 0. Sullivan, as Minister for Railways and Minister in charge of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department, at the opening of the Napier-Wairoa railway to-day. Mr Sullivan described New Zealand’s railway system as one of the most modern to be found anywhere and declared that the future of the railways in the Dominion was definitely assured. In some districts tlie railways had not received the support they deserved, but this was a matter for the residents themselves. The Hawke’s Bay distinct had suffered severely from disasters such as floods and earthquakes, but it had risen rapidly from desolation and proved itself to be one of the most prosperous provinces in the Dominion. It was this characteristic perhaps more than any other that had induced the Government to proceed with the completion of the line between Napier and Wairoa.

“It is true that this railway winds through rather precipitous country, presenting great difficulties. Jn its utilisation for agriculture, land and pastoral purposes, it has suffered greatly through heavy rainfalls removing much of its’ soil fertility, hut its wonderful recuperative powers lead mo to believe it will come into wealthy production. Land deterioration means a backward march in farming, hut we confidently hope that with scientific aids we will prevent the country from becoming a farming wilderness. “As in many countries overseas, New Zealand is investigating this problem, and a bulletin has been issued by the Industrial and Scientific Department. 1 urge all those who are concerned with soil erosion to it their business to obtain copies, and so ensure that the valuable information that has been garnered by scientific investigation will be utilised to the advantage not only of the individuals concerned but of the country as a whole. The inquiry is being extended by carrying out soil surveys in other districts as circumstances permit. “The matter is being followed up with a view to ascertaining methods that can be put into practice to stop this wasting of our land resources and enable them to be conserved so that thev may be fanned profitably.” M r Sufiivan said that in the case of Hawke’s Bay the Government had gone even further, and the province had boon selected for the first land-utilisa-tion' survey. The question arose whether the railway to Wairoa would pay. and ■whether it would go through land that was worthy of -the advantages of better transport. The Government had carried out a thorough survey of the land in the district, and farmers would bo appraised of the results of this work.

“The confidence displayed by the Government in completing this line will be largely based on what produce can be derived from the farming lands surrounding Hawke’s Bay,” said -Mr Sulli-van. “The approach to the search for oil has been through a preliminary scientific survey which afterwards has been implemented by further scientific direction, so it is reasonable to expect that the agricultural development of Hawke’s Bav will respond to similar approaches.”