SOUTHERN MAIN TRUNK.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20381, 30 October 1931, Page 3

SOUTHERN MAIN TRUNK.

REMOVAL OF MATERIAL. ACTION THREATENED BY SETTLERS. [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 29. The threats of summary action by settlers in the Marlborough district to safeguard materials that are being removed from the South Island Main Trunk construction works appear to have been a little premature, according to correspondence which passed between the Minister for Unemployment, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, and the member for Wairau, Mr E. F. Healy. It was reported to-day that 76 rails had been loaded at Wliaranui for shipment to the North Island, for use at Tawa Flat, and as Mr Coates had promised in the House that he would leave the work in such a state that construction could be resumed at any time, the settlers asked that the shipment be cancelled. Failing compliance with this request Mr Healy stated in his telegram to the Minister, the settlers were determined to take summary action and unload the rails themselves. Mr Coates, in a telegram to Mr Healy, has made his position perfectly clear. "Your telegram received," he * says. "Kails on job can surely be used for current work elsewhere. My remarks must bo interpreted in the light of reason. Bails laid will not be removed, but stock rails can and will be used when required on any job. In view of the foregoing, instructions cannot be given as you desire." Mr Coates, commenting upon the position this evening, added that rails in stock could not be allowed to rot on tho job while they could be used on other construction jobs, such as the Tawa Flat work. Tn an interview, Mr Healy said he had communicated with residents in the district, and understood that in view of Mr Coates's reply "no further action would be taken. It appeared to bo perfectly reasonable that rails which wore not laid, and which would merely lie in stock should be used elsewhere.