CENTRAL PROGRESS LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 81, 2 October 1924, Page 11

CENTRAL PROGRESS LEAGUE

ANNUAL MEETING.

There was a small attendance only at the annual meeting of the Central Progresi Leagua last evening, Mr. P. C. Watt being in the chair.

Speaking with reference to the annual report, which has already been published in "The Post," the secretary, Mr. G. Mitchell, said that the money for the important works mentioned therein was nov available. The most important work, the better grading, and tunnelling of the Main Trunk railroad out of Wellington, should be carried out synchronously with the Thorndon reclamation. The new route would cost something under £1,000,000 and would take four years to complete. Trains now pulled a load of 180 tons only, whereas with the new tunnel loads of"500 tons, nearly three times as much could be handled. The interest on the sum necessary for carrying out the work would amount to only £3 per train. Engine haulage would be more than doubled, and wear and tear would be reduced by half; fur. thermore, from the traveller's point of ,view, vexatious delays would be avoided. It was one of the most important works in view in New Zealand, and would be one of the most payable. As an asset to the city, and as a means of bringing a greater tonnage of shipping to. the port, it would mark a great step m the city's progress. It was decided to approach other local, bodies interested, with. a. view to the formation of a deputation to the Minister of Eailways- to urge that the construction of the new tunnel route and the Thorndon reclamation should be carried out synchronously. It %vas also decided to request Parliament to put the town planning measure on the Statute Book this session if possible. '