STILL NO DECISION.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 258, 31 October 1929, Page 21

STILL NO DECISION.

MORNINGSIDE TUNNEL

MINISTER QUESTIONED.

MR. RANSOM NON-COMMITTAL.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day, "What is the position in regard to the decision on the construction of the Morningside Tunnel?" asked Mr. A. Harris (Waitemata) while the Public Works Statement was under discussion in the House of Representatives last night. Ho reminded the Government that con- ] stant inquiries on this matter had been met with the reply, "Wait for the Public Works Statement." Well, the Statement was before them, but they knew no more about it now than before. He suggested that the people of Auckland should not be treated in that way, because they Avere very earnest about this project. They believed there was such serious congestion in transport facilities to the western suburbs that the Morningside Tunnel was essential. Mr. M. J. Savage (Auckland West) and other members also urged the Government to. make a statement regarding the Morningside work. The Minister of Public Works, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, said it was not a Public Works job, as it came under the railways improvement account, and it would be dealt .with by the Railways Department. This work had not been overlooked, nor had the question of iniprovcdfacilities for Auckland. ~ Mr. Savage: - What becomes of the promise that a definite statement would be given during-this debate? We had that some.time ago. We were told to wait till this statement was before the House. Mr. Ransom replied that he was not in a position to make a statement. It was really a matter for the Minister of Railways. Mr. J. Bitchener (Waitaki): Oh, he doesn't know. (Laughter.)