NEW RAILWAYS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 10 April 1930, Page 5

NEW RAILWAYS

SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK AND MIDLAND LINES

REFORM PARTY’S ATTITUDE

STATEMENT BY MR COATES

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND, 9th April. Commenting on a telegram from Blenheim, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates said that members of the Reform Party, Mr H. Holland included, would remember that the attitude of the party was clearly defined when the matter was discussed in the Houso last session. “So far as the South Island Main Trunk Line is concerned, the party considers that if an impartial survey of the case shows that the construction can be justified, then vthe work would go ahead,” said Mr Coates. “But all tho technical evidenco shows that great caution should be exercised. As to the Midland Line, lam definitely of opinion that construction .work there should cease until a thorough investigation has been made, particularly of the effect of the recent earthquake, by which part of the route ' was badly shaken. We believe that before -any new line is constructed,” Mr Coates added, “that a competent body of men should investigate all aspects in order to show whether a good road cannot, at this stage economically serve the districts through which the railway is proposed to be built. In view of the important bearing of motor traffic upon transport economics at the present day, , very desirable that a proper invesligation' should be made in each case bcVfore plunging into heavy expenditures. •i|n any case the country should.be nade •ware of the position as to whether a profit nr loes is to be faced by the construction pf any line.”