RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 261, 2 October 1936, Page 6

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

THE TURAKINA DEVIATION. (By Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. “An Act to authorise the construction of a certain railway.” This formal title to a Governor’s message, introduced iti the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, aroused keen interest on Opposition benches, members wondering what further surprise in public works had made an appearance. “Might wo ask the Minister of Public Works to let us into the secret?” inquired Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes (Leader of the Opposition), who assured him that there was a good deal ot expectation. Hon. R. Semple (Minister of Public Works) relieved the situation by at once explaining that the measure authorised construction of the deviation, of the New Plymouth railway near Turakina, from which point it would run north about two miles east of the existing line before again functioning with it. There had been a good deal of talk about the necessity for this deviation for years, added the Minister, and when it was-completed it would be of great benefit to the system. The time had arrived when they would need to have a serious look at some of our badly constructed railways, and the same applied to highways. With growing population, which meant increased travel, it was necessary to bring highways and the railways up to a higher standard. The Turakina deviation would cost about £500,000 and probably take three and a-half years to construct, employing at the peak point between 400 and 500 men. Mr Forbes: Will it he financed from tlie Public Works Fund? The Minister replied in the affirmative, adding that the railways would also contribute a quota. Mr W. J. Poison (Stratford) remarked that he knew the details of the deviation and heartily approved of it. He asked if the main roads would be co-ordinated with the new line of railway ? . ;

the Minister replied that this point had received consideration, for when new roads or railways were planned they had to be used to feed each other.