OPTIMISTIC M.P.

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 189, 8 May 1931, Page 10

OPTIMISTIC M.P.

Southern Main Trunk HINT ABOUT REPORT Minister Passes a “Tip” By Telegraph—Press Association. Blenheim, May 7. While he emphasised that there was still necessity for vigilance and preparedness to defend the project on the completion of the south Main Trunk railway, a statement made by Mr. E. F. Healy, M.P., at a meeting of the Marlborough Progress League was regarded by members as reassuring. Mr. Healy said there was no doubt about the construction proceeding in the meantime, and he hinted at the fact that a favourable departmental report on the completion of the line could be expected within the next week or so.

“I don’t think there is the slightest doubt about the line continuing if we can finance it,” Mr. Healy proceeded, “and that depends on being able to raise money on sufficiently favourable terms. I am led to understand, although I am ignorant as to what is actually in the report, that the Railway Department has a report on the south main trunk that no directorate or commission can turn down. I believe the report will be published next week. The Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Railways, told me it would be impossible for any commission or board to oppose the completion of the line on the report they have prepared. lam informed that the report will be favourable to the line and vHll show how it will be possible to run two trains each way if desired and land passengers from Wellington to Christchurch in seven hours at a fare, boat and train combined, that will be less than the present fare on the ferry service to Lyttelton.” Mr. Healy remarked that it was because he had some inkling of the proposal that he,was able to declare, in the House that within four years of completion of the railway there would be no passenger boat between Wellington and Lyttelton, and Tie felt he really could have made the period two years. He was quite satisfied that the public would patronise such a train service in preference to steamers.