PORT AND CITY.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19664, 6 July 1929, Page 16

PORT AND CITY.

TO THK KDXTOB 01 TRS PMSI. Sir, —We are all aware tflat the Chamber of Commerce and the Progress league, botti experts in lighting delaying actions, are, ngUtiy or wrongly, adherents of the Economic Bulletins which supply their very useful and instructive information to trade in general. Therefor© 1 wonder how the Chamber and the League will reconcile their statuesque attitudes (so notice- j able in anything which they have not originated themselves) with the luminous parage in the .Economic. Bulletin of this morning as follows: '"ln New Zealand it is widely feared that 'coordination' may mean, first, the placing of such restrictions on privately owned road transport as will prevent competition with a Btate railway monopoly which many regard as far from efficient, and, secondly. the bureaucratic control of a new development in transport which promises to benefit the country greatly if loft unhampered " Clearly, a lead to the public to abolish the Lytteiton-Ghrist-church railway monopoly and institute motor traction also by the only possible means, namely, the Port and City League's Tunnel Road. The Chamber seek comfortable refuge in platitudes. It will not pay, the time is not opportune, the country cannot afford it. whilst the league is blinded by electrification, imaginary fumes, and what-nots. Mr Flesher, new president of the League, seieks to load Canterbury further with the railway incubus of many years' standing. And what shall we say of Mr Judd, so aptly echoing the well-known policy of the League? His prophetic words are as follows: "The deputation has asked us a question, and what is your answer to be; - We can take it by stages and perhaps put it off as lons as possible." Now, Sir, is not procrastination the thief of time, and is not time —money? Therefore are not the Progress League (surnamed tho Standstills) the thieves of Canterbury's time and money? Mr Chrystall, speaking at the recent League meeting, said that there were 21 handlings under the present railway monopoly, and there would be 13 under the Tunnel road scheme. I wonder how many there will be if Mr Flesher and Mr Judd answer the Port and City League in 2029 A.D. ? By this time I predict goods will travel from hand to hand, and psssengers will hop. whilst the railways will be overgrown with moss and mothballs and the Port, of Lyttelton with seaweed. Oh! Ichabod—lchabod.—Tours, etc., GADFLY. JnJv sth. 1929.