RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

Evening Star, Issue 14963, 24 August 1912, Page 1

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

QUESTION OF LIGHT LINES. THE MINISTER FAVORABLE THERETO. [Pbr United Press Association.} WELLINGTON, August 23. A deputation representing the Palmerston North and Dannevirke Borough Councils and Chambers of Commerce and the Pahiatua Borough Council and County Council, and the Progressive Association waited on the Minister ot Public Works (Hon. W. Eraser) to-day to urge the necessity of constructing a number of light railway lines to act as feeders to the Wellington-Napier mail line. ■ ~,-,, Mr J. 0. Lilly (Pahiatua) said light feeder iines should be constructed _at suitable points to tap the country lying to the eastward of the main hue. He suggested the construction of the tollowincr lines:—Pahiatua to Pongaroa via Makuri, 30 miles; Dannevirke to Weber, 20 miles ; Eketahuna to Alfredton 12 miles ; Featherston to Martmborough, 12 miles ; Masterton toTaueru, 12 miles There were many advantages to bo derived from these proposed feeder lines. The lines proposed would facilitate and economise the cost of carrying mails to and from the districts to be served. They would remove the heavy traffic from the roads between the centres and terminals of the proposed lines, and would materially lessen the cost of metalling and maintenance. This would reduce the expenditure by local bodies in the areas proposed to be served and would reduce the demands for assistance from the Government. In the South Island there were between 20 and 30 branch lines, as compared with about six in the North Island. In reply, the Minister assured the deputation of his sympathy He had long held the view that branch lines in this country were not a luxury but a necessity. He was satisfied, however, that such lines would never pay it the cost of construction was the same as for the main lines. For instance, the rails could be much lighter, and that item alone would mean a considerable reduction in cost. In Queensland light lines were constructed for A,1,/UU a mile. Of course, the conditions ot construction there were much easier than in New Zealand. .Light hues were not looked upon with favor by many experts, and that had to be combated. He intended to travel throughout New Zealand in order to form some idea ot what was needed. He believed a number of light lines could be constructed which would pay handsomely. It was all a question of money. New Zealand was not viewed too favorably by the Stock Exchange just now. The recent large loan was costing New Zealand fully 5 per cent. That sort of thing had to be avoided. He would carefully consider the representations made.