RAILWAY AND BRIDGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 56, Issue 32914, 26 September 1947, Page 5

RAILWAY AND BRIDGE

NO MENTION IN BUDGET MEMBER DISAPPOINTED “In looking through the estimates I was a little disappointed find that nothing had been allocated in connection with the completion of the railway line between Pokeno and Paeroa,” said Mr A. S. Sutherland, M.P. for Hauraki, speaking in the Budget debate in the House of Representatives recently. Hon. Member: “That is important.” Mr Sutherland: “Certainly it is important; there are only 40 miles to be completed. Most of the development work has been carried out and it is a job that the Minister has promised on numerous occasions to get on with. Last year the sum of £150,0,00 was allocated in respect of the work but only £2147 was spent. I am very much disappointed and I hope the Minister will get on with the job. “ Another matter I wish to refer to is the necessity for erecting a bridge over the Piako river at Pipiroa. The progressive town of Thames in the Hauraki electorate is on the highway to Auckland, yet we have to put up with a dilapidated ferry service instead of having an up-to-date bridge. I hope the Government will get on with that work.”