MINISTER OF TRANSPORT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 121, 22 April 1938, Page 4

MINISTER OF TRANSPORT.

VISIT TO FEILDING. The Majestic Theatre, Feilding, was well filled last evening when Hon. R. Semple (Minister of Transport and Public Works) delivered an address covering his administration. Mr E. E. Fair (deputy-Mayor) presided, and extended the speaker a cordial welcome. Mr Semple, he said, controlled two of the most important departments of the Government. When Mr Semple rose to speak ho was warmly applauded. His remarks were confined chiefly to the departments he controls and he told his audience of the progress made in the mechanisation of Public Works construction undertakings and the methods of reducing accidents. His remarks were on similar lines to his address in Palmerston North. Referring to the speeding up of transport, Mr Semple said that in 1912 it was a feat to travel from Wellington to Auckland in eight days. “Now.” said Mr Semple, “some would do it in eight hours if we let them.” Stating that taxi-drivers caused a high percentage of the motor accidents, he said that cut-throat' coni petition amongst taxis had to he eliminated. “In four years time there will he no unmetalled roads in New Zealand,” said Mr Semple. In all there were 6000 miles of road to he metalled, and already 1000 miles had lieen completed; before the winter set in properly between 1400 and 1500 miles would he metalled. A film, showing the modern machinery in operation, was screened. At the” conclusion of the meeting a resolution moved by Mr C. L. Hunter, M.P., to the effect that it greatly appreciated Mr Semple's visit and sincerely hoped that he and his Government would be returned to the Treasury benches, was carried. The chairman, Mr Fair, was accorded a vote of thanks.