SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 134, 9 June 1919, Page 8

SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK RAILWAY

TO IHE EDITOR.

Sir',; —The distance from Christchurcl: to Picton by rail, when completed, will be 201 miles. Out of this mileage only 60 miles is' incomplete, and only 14 miles of this line is through rough country. From Picton to Wellington is only 52 miles, and this distance can be done easily in three hours; therefore, weather permitting, the Maori could do two trips a day, if necessary But why not a Government ferry service to- connect with the ■ Government trains? The saving to the Government for mails alone would be a substantial item. The war has been to us an object lesson with regard to money, and it is no use now any Government saying they haven't got the money; they must find the money. If it is spent on progressive works, there need be no fear of the result. Now I would like to see the Government wake up, and say we will do 20 miles a year until this line, is finished. The Stratford Main. Trunk is being completed at the rate of 11 miles in seven years. Truly a. marvellous speed. It would, I think, be better to' let one Government Department do the construction and running of railways, instead of two as at present. Then again it was a big mistake to place the old Roads Department under the Public Works. I might ask what do the Public Works Department know about roads? It is better to have expert departments, than departments that are jack of all trades, and master of none.— I am, etc.,

PUBLIC OPINION. Dunedin, 4th June.