UNFINISHED RAILWAY

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 182, 30 April 1936, Page 2

UNFINISHED RAILWAY

Early Survey of Midland “Gap” MINISTERS’ PROMISE Au early survey is to be made of the uncompleted section of the Midland line from Glenhope to Inangahua, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, yesterday promised a deputation from the Nelson, Motueka and Murchison districts. Mr. Savage said it appeared from a first glance at the proposal that there was an unanswerable case for the closing of the gap, but until a survey had been made lie could not commit the Government. No time would be lost iu making the'survey, and the people of the district would be informed of the Government’s decisiou at the earliest possible' moment. The deputation asked that the GovI eminent should complete the gap of 42 miles left in the Midland line, ami presented facts anil figures to show the vital necessity for a completed railway. The Minister of Public Works, Hon. 11. Semple, in replying to the deputation, said that between £7,000,000 and £8,000,000 had been invested in uncompleted lines, and the interest bill was tremendous. It was true that he had promised the people of Nelson and Murchison that there would be a thorough investigation of the Midland line, and that they would be acquainted with the result of the investigation. Other matters had intervened, however, and he had not been able to have the investigation made yet. ■ He was not prepared to accept the previous estimate as to the cost of completing the line. It was his belief that the estimate had been made for the sole purpose of stopping the line, and he had pretty substantial reasons for making that statement. It would be necessary for him to secure complete knowledge as to the cost that would be involved in the completion of the line. It was his intention to instruct his. engineers to make a survey of the project. The Prime Minister said that looking at the proposal of the deputation on paper there appeared to be an unanswerable argument for the completion of the line from Glenhope to Inangahua. At the same time, there might be a different story to tell if one had a close look at the area. It was the duty of the Government to make a survey 'of the line and its relation to the South Island Main Trunk. 7’tie outlook for railways had altered "Jti New Zealand because they were looking at the problem from a modern point of view. Tlie railways were going to be up to date, and he visualised the time when rail-cars would be in use in most parts of New Zealand for the transport of passengers. They could not legislate their competitors off the roads completely, but they could provide means of transport which were as good as, or better than, those of their competitors. Mr. Savage assured the deputation that Mr. Semple would be given every assistance in making a survey of the line, and when the Government received a report it would make its decision as soon as possible. Once the decision was made there would be no going back. “We will be accused of lavish expenditure,” said the Prime Minister. “That iqight be true, but we will have something to show for it at the end.”