RAILWAY PROBLEM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 192, 14 August 1940, Page 10

RAILWAY PROBLEM.

SITE OF THE STATION. TUNNEL SCHEME RECALLED. Writing with reference to the recent statement by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, concerning the. possibility of a new railway station for suburban trains running to the city, Mr. H. A. Robertson states his views as follows: — "I read with keen interest the comments made by Sir Ernest with reference to a railway station closer to tho city. Some years ago the Northern' Suburban Railway League—a leaguo eon sisting of all the northern local bodies, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Karangahape Business Men's and Ratepayers' Associations—impressed the then Government with the necessity of providing a new and quicker outlet for passengers and workers, pointing out that traffic congestion would inevitably be the outcome if the matter was left. "In 1924, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates had the whole scheme passed as an Act of Parliament. Included in this scheme of works was the Auckland railway station and the Morningside. tunnel, including a double line to New Lynn. The Auckland station was planned and built for this purpose, and had it proceeded according to plan there would not have arrived to" day any question of congestion. "Sir Joseph Ward, who became Prime. Minister, however, stopped this work. Later the world depression made finance difficult and thus the Forbes-Coates Government could not reinstate, the scheme. The present Government had been waited upon on several occasions, but unfortunately, to date, it has not seen the great benefit that this tunnel would be to the city. "I quite agree with Sir Ernest that a station is required nearer the main centre of the city, and' as one studies the map of Auckland, a station in Upi*r Queen Street would seem to be the centre, as it would serve both the city and Karangahape Road. I cannot aglet, however, that a station at Britomart Place, a« suggested, would be of wreat benefit. Further, as the Auckland station was built for the purpose of providing a northern outlet on raised land, it would be well-nigh impossible for trains to leave Britomart Place and.go north. "The Railway Department is proceeding with the duplication of the 5 line from Morningside to Swanson, and this work, which will be of great benefit for the' quick working of trains, will be almost of no value owing to the bottle-neck at Newmarket. The scheme, therefore, becomes a matter of urgency to the Department as well as the. public."