THAT “GAP” DEPUTATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 9 August 1928, Page 3

THAT “GAP” DEPUTATION

(To tho Editor) Sir, —Your correspondent Major Talbot’s suggestion for a composite deputation to he got together representative of all the local bodies, manufacturing and producing organisations, includingi'>the .Chamber of Commerce, fanners’ Unions, Fruitgrowing Federation, imd such- industrial concerns as "K” and Griffins’, Buxton’s, and many others, is a good one. But will our Nelson, loading men and industrialists show energy enough even at this opportune time to attempt secure this combined force, with which to impress the. Government, as set, forth by the Major. Something more is needed than the handful of half-heart-ed capj-in-hand, anjd licart-in'-mouth sort of delegation that went some years ago, and nothing would so. hearten those who are to put, our case than to sec a hundred backers around them and nothing else could so impress the Ministers than to see our case hammered out. before them hacked by a crowd of representative men full of zeal and enthusiasm for our just cause, and long overdue. connection with the other provinces. The Government are breaking faith and solemn promises by commencing to build a most unwarranted branch railway in. open defiance of their wvn declared railway policy, and a strong deputation is essential to bring this breach of faitli home to the Ministers, Government and Parliament.

. There is such illimitable scope for vast development in. this province . given through rail connection, to other parts, apart from the enormous resources now waiting access to waiting markets, and no effort should be spared to plead our case ,at this the greatest opportunity we ever had,

The new manager .of our railways says “It.,is his Department’s, duty to provide satisfactory transport, .facilities. They found raw material . everywhere, thus transport bv railway was the keystone of industrial life.” . And for want of, this many of our industries are being strangled, and stunted and innumerable others are prevented from exploitation and development. Wake up, Nelson, and make the best of the coming opportunity;—l am, etc.,

A NELSONIAN,