SOCKBURNSTYX LINE

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29766, 8 March 1962, Page 14

SOCKBURNSTYX LINE

“Proposal Not Abandoned” (From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, March 7. The proposal to build the Sockbum-Styx railway has not been abandoned by the Government. An assurance to that effect was given this afternoon by the Minister of Railways (Mr McAlpine) in reply to questions. Mr McAlpine said, however, that operating conditions at present, were such that there was no immediate need for the construction of the line. The matter was under regular review and a recommendation would be made to the Government at the appropriate time. The Minister said that the greater part of the land so far purchased had been leased pending construction of the line. It was proposed to develop sites for leasing to industry at both the Sockburn and Styx ends of the line. The department had an industrial development scheme already under way and its plantation reserve near Sockburn and all sections there were not yet taken up. Development of the other two areas had been held over until demand justified beginning the work, he said.

Mr McAlpine said that although the Christchurch Regional Planning Authority would not permit industrial development to take place along the whole route the authority had approved the proposal to develop industrial areas at Sockburn and Styx. To ensure the projects were kept under review provision for the development work was being made in the department’s forward estimates, said the Minister.