DARGAVILLE PROTEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 16, 20 January 1931, Page 11

DARGAVILLE PROTEST.

SUSPENDED RAILWAY WORK.

MB. RANSOM ADAMANT.

REFERENCE TO REFORM POLICY.

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.")

WELLINGTON, this day.

Smilingly, the acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, remarked to the Leader of the * Opposition, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coatee, who headed a deputation protesting against the stoppage of the Kirikopuni-Dargaville. railway construction, "I find it difficult "to. give the deputation any -statement which will give them 'Satisfaction, and I cannot do better than refer them to clause five of the policy set out by the Leader ol the Opposition,' 'That expenditure oil new railway construction cease in every case where it cannot be.proved that the new line, when completed, will be economically sound.'".

Mr. Coates, in introducing the speakers, said the size of the deputation ■was no indication of its representative character. Its numbers had largely been controlled by himself. "Rather than have the whole population making an onslaught on the Government on such occasions, one encourages people to conserve their finances," he said. The deputation had been appointed as delegates from a- public meeting, and he agreed with them in urging the importance: of the line from the developmental aspect. It tapped areas which would comfortably support men and their families if economical transport were available. The district could be developed only by use of fertilisers, and last year 12,000 tons were sent into Northern Wairoa. The combined boat and rail freight was 14/9 a ton, but the railway- freight would be only '9/4. He believed there were greater prospects of. small settlement along the route of this railway than in any similar area now in question.

Estimate of Loss Disputed. It would cost £7000 to.complete the seven miles from Tangowahine to Dargaville, because five miles, had been practically completed. The bridges "were built, -tho material was on the ground and the sleepers were laid for three milee. It was said by the P,ub% Works Department that for £40,000 the whole job could be cleaued up. The settlers of the district disputed the Departmental estimate that the line would lose £26,000 annually. On a recent day he j saw 37 stock trains leave the present terminus, and every day 10- or 15 stock trains left ;. Tangowahine, these being apart from grains carrying timber and other materials; and, passengers, hor £40,000.the whole, question would be put to the test." I ; . "I feel;'bound to say," added. Mr. Coates, "that I .agree, that eo expenditure on railway construction as a whole is concerned, the Government is taking a course that meets with my approvalinendeavquring t?,contr£tje liftge borrowing HoAveVer, iCvias necessary to suggest in' thi? instance that there was a definite claim-on the developmental side, *nd must surely be a, wiser policy ; to .finish a V r ailway which required,so #maU ;au expenditure to. complete. ' .... «■ .... .The deputation was also concerned about the construction workers, were in a wretched condition. Ihey went away on holiday, never dreamin| tlfttt the source of their livelihood would cease on their return. ;It was hoped ttifit work .would beffqund m....the; district, preferably injcompletmg; ballasting and platelaying.; ;',:■■:. '~ . . ,■, , ...

* "Keenly Disappointed."

Mr. F. A. Jones, Mayor of Dargaville, said that the people of the town had lived long in hope of seeing- railway, communication, and they were disappointed at its stopping nearly ;at their door. The incomplete section never had a chance, because of the necessity for transhipment from steamers. Perhaps the Government could push along at-a slower pace in view of the financial stringency, but it ought to go ahead, because everyone felt that trains would be running within six months.

; Mr. V. Trounson-said it was .not known whether the work was only suspended or stopped for good. It would involve serious,- loss not;to complete'it. Carrying >'n;at"a Slower rpace, rather tliah completely'stepping the'work, would' be some consolation. He lived on the Kaihu line, on which hardly a truck of stock was loaded in a year, but if theinline.were linked up with the main line there would be?good stock traffic. ' •'.„';...•'■ %lr;{ Flower, speaking for the construction workers, said the original number eiripleyed was 200, some of whom had 25 years' service. .The Government had fOMnd work at Arapuni and on roadiiig WfiM substantial, number; and there remained 85,wh0 would like to get work in /the district. : ... ■-. .

<&Tr. Flower was at once assured by the Minister tliat the married men would obtain work. . .

"No Hope at Present."

Mr. Ransom, m reply/ said the Government, in the face of the difficult economic position, was obliged to consider how far it was justified in expending capital moneys on works which, on the face of it, did not appear to have any prpspept of-paying, lie could at present offer no prospect of the resumption of the Dargaville railway. The attitude expressed in the -Reform leader's statement, which he quoted, represented the attitude, of the Government. " .

Answering a suggestion that the decision should have been given two years ago, Mr. Eansom declared that when.the Government instituted its construction policy the conditions Vfere completely different. The changed policy was.due to the changed economic position, caused by the country's products being lower iu price than when the Government canie 'into ..office. In the past it had been a question of how far the general taxpayer should meet the losses on the railways. The results from the railways had been very 1 disappointing; and the suspension might impress on people the- fact that the railways were their own property, and they could only be completed if given the people's loyal support, which was always promised before the completion of a line, but was not given afterwards. At present, he could .offer no. prospect of the resumption- of. this, work. . ' • , Mr. Coates: The main point; is whether it is suspension or stoppage. Mr. Ransom: It is suspension, but I cannot see any prospect of resumption at an early.date,,in.view of the stejs we are taking , to s place the men.'..elsewhere, and the, economic position at :the moment. ' '■ -V. ' He assured the deputation that .work would be provided for all the married aifixtfi ..■ '. 'Z ' '. ' l}'"< ."'■".