TRANSPORT CONTROL

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 September 1934, Page 2

TRANSPORT CONTROL

RAILWAYS v. THE REST. [PEB PBIBS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, September 12. The policy of administering the Transport Act was attacked by Mr F. W. Johnston (President of the Canterbury Progress League) at a conference held to discuss the completion of the South Island main trunk line. “Personally, I feel that the railways are essential to the well-being of the community,” said Mr Johnston, “but I fear, when reading the decisions of the various Transport Boards and the decisions of the Transport Co-ordina-tion Board, that the policy of both is that the railways have got to be supported, at all hazards. In other words, I feel that co-ordination has not started, apd that the way the Act has been administered is repressive, so far as the road transport is concerned, because too great consideration has been given to the railways. It looks as if th railways have to be saved, almost to the extinction of road transport, and to the detriment of the country at. large, both commercial and pastoral. I mention that because in the question of road transport is bound up the question of the South Island main trunk line.”

S.t. MAIN TRUNK.

CHRISTCHURCH, September 12. The question of whether the South Island main trunk line should he completed was considered at a conference of local bodies’ representatives this morning, under the auspices of the Canterbury Progress League. Addresses were given by Dr.. W. E. Redman (President of the Marlborough Progress League), and Mr J. E. Strachan, of Rangiora. The speakers said that, the line was an important link in the railway system, and would certainly pay. The Government would reap a huge benefit through the increase in the value of Crown Lands, and the productive value of freeholds would also increase. It was announced that, after the representatives had reported to their bodies, an indication would be expected from them as to what stand the Canterbury Progress League should take in the matter.