RAILWAY CROSSINGS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 262, 3 October 1936, Page 6

RAILWAY CROSSINGS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —May 1 ask you to publish the enclosed letter which appeared in the .New Zealand Herald on September lt is interesting to see that it is not only the residents of Palmerston North who consider themselves ill danger of the railway line running through the centre of our city and “Pro Bono Publico" has put the case to the Minister of Hallways very well, i would like to point out that the suggestion of the .terrace End Progressive Association to plant trees on the sides of the railway Hues would obstruct the view of approaching trains, and so increase the present hanger. The only satisfactory solution of this menace is to complete the deviation of the line, and those who have faith in the destiny of Palmerston North can visualise the beauty and growth of the city when this is done. borne say they are opposed to the deviation because their homes will be in sight of the new station; others think it is a novelty to see the new rail cars, and enjoy a ride to Terrace End. Now, 6ir, are the opinions of these people with stunted visions to be allowed to put a spoke in the wheel of Palmerston North’s progress? —1 am, ’’ ADVANCE PALMERSTON.

The letter enclosed by “Advance Palmerston” is as follows:

Sir,—-In Friday’s issue of the New Zealand Herald there appeared an inquest on yet another victim of that “Public Enemy No. 1” —the Palmerston North railway line. The travelling public knows this railway line run 6 through the heart of the city for a mile, and in . that distance more than 70 trains a day thunder over ten unprotected level crossings, which have proved to be death tra.ps to both pedestrians and motorists. I was on a business trip to Palmerston recently, and had to cross over these numerous crossings many times a day, and could sympathise with the residents in their expressed indignation that such a menace should be allowed to exist in New Zealand’s largest railway centre. I understand the citizens expect the deviation of the railway out of the town to be completed, or the present line put underground, and so eliminate the level crossings in that way. A good deal of disappointment has been expressed that this urgent work lias not been included in the Government’s intensive programme of public works, and the citizens of Palmerston North are entitled to the support of the travelling public in urging upon the Government to have this menace removed without further delay. So I will ask the Minister of Railways what he intends to do about it. PRO BONO PUBLICO.