DEVIATION WORKS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 111, 10 April 1929, Page 6

DEVIATION WORKS

INSPECTED BY PREMIER. LAKGE MINISTERIAL PARTY. AN IMPORTANT VISIT. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) accompanied by a large Ministerial party, comprising ten members of the Cabinet, arrived in 1 almerston North on the Napier express shortly after midday to-day for the purpose of making a complete inspectioi of the railway deviation works. The personnel of the party was as follows:—Sir Joseph Ward, Hons. G. W. Forbes, T. M. Wilford, H. Atmore W. A. Veitch, W. B. Taverner J.B. Donald, P. A. de )a Perrelle, J. G. Cob be and A. J. Stallworthy. Jbe lime Minister’s secretary, Mr F. D. Thompson, accompanied the party. On arrival the Ministers was met by the Mayor and councillors, Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., representatives of the Labour Party, supporters of the United Party and Mr W. L. Bell (engineer for the Public Works Department. Mr H. H. Sterling (General Manager ot Railways) arrived last evening from New Plvmouth. On the arrival ot the Ministerial party three cheers were given for Sir Joseph Ward on the call of Mr E. W. Mills, chairman ot the local branch of the United Party. The inspection was expected to occupy some hours and it is understood that a Cabinet meeting will subsequently be held in Wellington to discuss the matter. . re It is very unusual for a large official party, representing more than liair the entire Cabinet, to make such a visit to any centre, and it is understood to be without precedent, indicating the high degree of imoprtanco with w Inch the inspection is invested. For some time past an uneasy feeling is stated to have existed in coitain quarters concerning the policy to be pursued in connection with the deviation, and recent events seem to point to a development in the near future. However, considerable reticence has been observed by the Government, notwithstanding the rumours current regarding a probable cessation of work. • The matter is of great importance to this centre, and any decision arrived at subsequently will be of a momentous nature. The results of the tour of inspection will be followed with close interest, considering what has happened to another railway undertaking commenced at the direction of the Reform Government. Some months back the deviation was inspected by Hon. W. B. Taverner (Minister of Railwa3's), in company with the General Manager (Mr H. H. Sterling). The deviation, which is seven miles long, is being constructed round the outskirts of Palmerston North in order that future railway traffic may be diverted from its present course through the town, which is considered a very undesirable civic feature, particularly in view of the rapid growth of this centre. Substantial progress lias been made with the deviation work since it was first put in hand. Sir Joseph Ward declined to receive any deputations. He said that they had an important duty to do and would discuss the matter in Cabinet. Before that was done nothing could be said.