RAILWAY MATTERS. A BUSINESS VIEW.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 41, 18 February 1908, Page 2

RAILWAY MATTERS. A BUSINESS VIEW.

MANAWATU AND HUTT LINES. In the course of his annual address to-day, the president of tho Chamber of Commerce (Mr. J. G. Harkness) dealt with matters in connection with railways, local and general. A passing reference must, ho said, be made to the important work of railway construction now in progress throughout the Dominion. In this connection the policy of the present Government, that no works shall be undertaken until the main arterial lines are completed, and that the latter shall be carried on with increased vigour, is one that ought to meet with general approval. The first in importance is the linking together of the two principal cities of the North Island. .This work has been too long delayed. Its completion during the year will mark a new era in the development of this portion of New Zealand, rendering the magnificent timbered country along the route accessible to both centres of population, opening lip vast areas of country for settlement, and giving a general impetus to trade, the advantages of which should not be allowed to pass from our grasp without an effort. MANAWATU RAILWAY. The fact that 'the Wellington-Mana-watu line is to bo acquired by tho Government during the current year, and become part of our public railway system, musb give satisfaction to all in- I torested in the welfare of the Dominion. Probably no one but the shareholders ! will regret its transference to other owners. It must not, however, be forgotten that we owe a debt of gratitude to the pioneers of this great work, who in the face of considerable difficulties brought the fertile areas of the Manawatu and West Coast into close proximity with the city. Its incorporation with our present system will, however, ' materially reduce the congested traffic, via the Rimutaka, and lessen the loss the Dominion is no\v experiencing in connection with this expensive section. HUTT LINE. It is unfortunate that wo cannot congratulate the Government on tha progress being made with the duplication of the Hutt line. This important work moves "with measured ' step and slow." The allocation made by Parliament last session was £100,000. It is difficult to know how much will bs spent by the 31st of March, 1908. It was to have been completed in five years from commencement. Three have gone, and whilst fair progress has been made from the Hutt end, tho difficult part of the undertaking at' the city end is practically untouched. Notwithstanding the fact that some difficulty was at first encountered in procuring suitable stone *or protective work, and the delay occasioned by the contractor previous to the Government taking the supply in hand, more rapid progress ought to have been made, if the work is to be completed in the stipulated time. WELLINGTON RAILWAY STATION This building, which does duty as a {mssenger station, as it has done for -the ast twenty-five years, is neither creditable'to the Government, nor in keeping with the dignity or requirements of the •Empire City. It is ( absolutely inadequate and unsuitable' ta 'cope Ayith the increasing suburban traffic. Tho facili-' ties afforded for the issue of tickets during ordinary periods are insufficient, j and at holiday times are impossible." The officos and luggage rooms are unsuitable! No private firm would' be hi- 7 lowed' to .carry on a, business of, this Tnagnitiide and work their employees under the existing conditions as the Government now do. The accommodation by both waiting rooms is of that character that the less said about them the better. Your council has again and again urged upon the Government the necessity of improvements, but without success. Unfortunately our efforts have not been supported by the press of the city.