MAIN TRUNK LINE

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 169, 19 July 1920, Page 4

MAIN TRUNK LINE

REPRESENTATIVE IXEPUTA-

TION,

SYMPATHETIC MINISTERS.

[fiiom our correspondent."] WELLINGTON, July 19. Th 3 Prime Minister and tlie Minister for Public Works received a representative aeputati.on.to urge the completion ©1 tho South Island Main Jnink Railway The speakers weieMessrs E. H. Penny, S. Andrew. "\Y. J. Girling, R, McCallum, M.P., G. W. Forbes, M.P G. AYitty, M.P., A. S. Makohn, M.P., and Mitchell, M.P., who urged tho national aspect of the work, Mr Malcolm stating that his presence was a, direct indication that>. Jtago hold the view that thi* ■i ail way was of Ne;v Zealand importance. Mr Poland (Ohinomiui) was invited" to speak, but smilingly declared that ,he came with an open, mind and togelt inside information. Ho was anxious that justice should be done to Aucldanil. Mr Massey assured the deputation that its arguments were perfectly sound and valid. Ho was of the same opinion about the line as when. ho accompanied the deputation years ago as an. Opposition member to urge its' completion. Ho had been over the country and he realised that tho lino would open up very good pastoral country. Be refer red to tho difficulties due to the period of unrest which always followed a grca,t war. He had anticipated that 'there would be somodifliculty in finding employment after the war, but the contrary was thocaso. The Public Worts Department was able to employ only 4000 men on roads and railways, though it could do with SOOD. As to tho suggestion of favoritism to tho North IsJand, he did not wish to( be parochial, but rejminded the deputation that the South Island had still 500 milies moro nailways than the North. Island. TW Government must finish some of itslines which had hoen under construction for many years, and lie admitted that tho South Mand Main Trunk was not a new line.. Its oompkitioit should.be gono on with at the first oiv poU"tunity. Mr Witty suggested tho spending of £150 000 already on tho Estimates. Mr Massey replied: "I think! a. great deal more than £150,000 will be expended, j>ut it is 'tiho job. of the Public Works I>epairtm©nt to make a recommendation to Cabinet." The Hon. Mr Coates assured thcr deputation that he would £ake it» arguments into earoful consideratiow when framing tho Public Work* Statement.