CONGESTION AT THORNDON

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 117, 11 February 1926, Page 6

CONGESTION AT THORNDON

RAILWAY DEPARTMENT CRITICISED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DESIRES IMPROVEMENT “I travel up and down New Zealand a good deal, and I make bold to say that at no centre is there greater congestion of passengers and luggage than at the Thorndon railway station.” The above indictment of the conditions existing at Thorndon railway station was made by Mr. J. W. Martin at a meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce last night. “I appreciate the difficulties of the Department,” stated Mr. Martin, “but it seems quite evident, even without the increase in traffic that is bound to follow, that the congestion will be a much more serious matter in the course of a year or two. As far as I am able to gather, it is unlikely that the new railway station will be erected within the next five years. Anyone] who has taken a survey of the position must realise that there is quite a great deal of space available for the extension of the present buildings. It seems to me tli/.tjf the Department looked at the matter seriously it would find ample room for extension ot the present buildings.” Continuing, Mr. Martin said he did not suggest that expensive buildings should be erected, but thought that some attempt, should be made to overcome the existing difficulties. Possibly, temporary buildings could be erected, but he did not advocate the Government going to any great expenditure in connection with the matter. He was in favour of a report being submitted to the Railway Department asking that some provision be made to alleviate the increasing congestion at Thorndon. Mr. G. Mitchell stated that he was hopeful that the time mentioned by some members in connection with the erection of a new station was much bevond anticipations. It would be noticed that the Thorndon. sea wall, which would be the foundation of the new station, was almost completed, but it would take about three years before ’the huge area of ground had been filled up. He hoped, however, that the Railway Department would see its way clear to proceed with the building of the station at Bunnv Street. Some who were qualified to express an opinion considered that the erection of the building could he proceeded with, with the filling up of the new area. It had been stated bv the Railway Department in the past that nothing could be done until reclamation work was completed. After farther discussion, a sub-com-mittee consisting of Messrs. Sim, Martin and Mitchell was appointed to wait on (he Railway Board in connection with the matter.