Mr L. G. H. Thompson. Better N.Z. transport system needed

Press, 10 November 1981, Page 20

Mr L. G. H. Thompson. Better N.Z. transport system needed

A reasonably priced transport system that would encourage New Zealanders to spend their holidays within the country rather than abroad is advocated by Mr Gaire Thompson, National candidate for Nelson.

High transportation charges he believes are restricting the flow of goods and making it too expensive for

New Zealanders to travel about the country. Within Nelson itself, manufacturing industries which rely on materials’ brought in from outside the region, were under constant threat by rising transportation charges.

It was essential that the Cook Strait ferry link be rapidly restored to the competitive, reliable service it

once gave, says Mr Thompson. An extension of the runway at Nelson Airport to the stage where it could accommodate fully laden Friendship aircraft and Argosy freighters he considers most important to meet the expansion in horticulture in the province, particularly the rapid growth of the kiwifruit industry.

An issue of prime concern, according to Mr Thompson, is the maintenance of law and order “if society is to be kept from being blackmailed by anarchists and those bent on causing disruption.” Employment throughout New Zealand is a top priority and in this regard Nelson was fortunate in having such excellent employment oppor-

tunities as forestry, tarming, and local arts and crafts, Mr Thompson says.

He believes that FM radio for such places as Auckland should not take, priority over the extension of television coverage, particularly TV2, into areas which have poor reception or none at all. Mr Thompson, who is 36, had his early education in Christchurch before leaving Lincoln College with a diploma of agriculture. He is a registered valuer, and an associate of the Institute of Valuers. Before buying a garage in Nelson in 1979 (since sold so that he could concentrate on -his election campaign), Mr Thompson was on the staff of the

Valuation Department, Nelson. His interests include flying, membership of the committee of the Nelson Asthma Society, , and membership (vice-chairman at present) of the National Party.