CITY COUNCIL’S SUPPORT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 August 1928, Page 6

CITY COUNCIL’S SUPPORT

REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED

A letter was read at the City Council meeting last evening from the Pro- ' , gress League notifying that a deputation «« being sent to Wellington and asking that the Council Jfcje represented. - 1 1 - Ihe Mayor (Hr W. J. Moffhtt) very ’ strongly supported the request, - All possible means would have to be tried to induce the Government to accede to Neison s inalienable right to have through railway communication with the remainder of the South Island. The timf had for Nelson people do speak very plainly and strongly, loti; the matter, , He hoped that a large and representative deputation would go fo Wellington.' - '. In moving that the Council he represented Councillor Watson said that unless Nelson took action now she would be left out in the cold for all tirrie. He went on to-emphasise the need of the railway, which would not only be a great boon to settlers but would pass through some of the finest river.-and mountain scenery in the Dominion. V Councillor Smith seconded the motion, stating that very little of what was new could be said in 'support of;Nelson’s claim, which had reiterated year after year. He satd the strongest point to stress was the small distance to complete the railway, from one end of the island to the other. 1 •

Councillor Russell thought .every citizen would endorse the action of the Progress League. ! ■' . . .. Councilor'Gibbs considered the pre- . sent position should be taken full advantage of. He on-to'point out'-: that the Government policy of not constructing any more branch* lines, owing to motor conipetition until the main . ones were'completed had been reversed by its action in commencing a 60-mile line in the North Island. In these circumstances Nelson had every right to push the claim for her railway.; Once the line was through it would be invaluable to’ the district, r and would enable early vegetables aiid other produce to find a ready market in the south. Councillor Gibbs recalled the late Mr Massey’s remarks in 1924 when he expressed the opinion that’ the .line would pay even as a coal line. Now was the golden opportunity to push the matter, seeing that the Government had the principle of further railway extension. In view of the.‘importance of the .occasion, .he ...as.kf'd, that Councillor Watson, withdraw" his) motion in favour of one that the Council be represented by the Mayor, Councillors Watson, Smith, McConchi'e fnd • Russell.'. 1 ‘ -

This was agreed to. Councillor McConchie seconded the . ! motion. He strongly supported the proposal, and said it should be strongly impressed upon the Prime Minister that he had a duty to the South Island to complete the line. The motion was- then put and . carried. »