RAILWAY WORKS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 121, 23 April 1936, Page 2

RAILWAY WORKS

COMMENCEMENT NEXT WEEK. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 21. The Government’s programme for the completion of several main railway lines will be initiated next week, when more than 100 men will start work on the Napier-Wairoa section of the Napier-Gisborne line. The full programme will include the completion of the South Island Main Trunk and of the Westport-Inangahua line through the Buller Gorge. When making this announcement in an interview, the Minister of Public Works (Hon. R. Semple) said he had been assured by the Minister of Finance (Hon. Walter Nash) that finance would be made available for the railway construction programme as it was required. “Once we get started we are not going to dwell on the job,” said the Minister. “Jt lias been definitely decided that the South Island Main Trunk line will be completed. There is no question but that the WestportInangahua line will be completed, but there again we cannot say when a start will be made.” LINE IN THE NORTH. DESIRE FOR COMPLETION. Per Press Association. DARGAVILLE, April 22. A representative meeting of delegates of the Dargavillo Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon resolved to make a further appeal to the Government for the completion of the gap of 70 chains near Dargavillo Borough in the 70 miles of railway between Donnelly’s. Crossing and Waiotira. Representations on this question were mads to' the Government in 1931 and 1934. It is now considered that the time is opportune for closing the gap and a further memorandum to be submitted points out that the progress of a vast area of fertile land is being retarded. The work is of national importance, and would provide profitable employment. The major portion of the material and plant is already on the ground, therefore little expenditure of fresh capital would be necessary. The expenditure already incurred will be a total loss if the line is not completed and the existing service will be both inefficient and costly. It is also claimed that tourist traffic to the Waipoua Forest and Trounson Kauri Park is being restricted.