AN ASSURANCE OF COMPLETION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 May 1930, Page 14

AN ASSURANCE OF COMPLETION

JfIAIN TRUNK LINE ON EAST COAST ' VIEWS OF Mil E. F. HEALY, M.P. An assurance that the work at present ill;progress oh. the connecting link in the South Island Main Trunk Railway would continue without interruption until completed was given by Mr B. F. Healy, M.P., to representatives of the Marlborough, South Marlborough and Canterbury Progress Leagues at a conference held at Parnassus this week (says the "Times"). After tracing'the work in operation on the Wharanui section, Mr Healy stated that three engineers had recommended that an immediate start bo made with the construction in the central section. They were of. opinion that the work could proceed between the Clarence , River and Hapuku. Possibly a tunnel would have to be driven at Ohau and another almost adjoining. A pile bridge had been rceominended ( in place of the former proposal for a cylinder bridge over the Clarence River, and this bridge would be built immediately if conditions were favourable. The construction of the pile bridge would take only eighteen months as compared with three years for the cylinder type. At the Hapuku the present idea was to build a bridge near the road bridge, but if tests which were being carried out at Briney Creek proved successful a great deal of time and money would be sav.e'd. The work was proceeding much faster than was generally realised, and (he speaker considered that the change in the Cabinet would'hot interfere with the scheme for advancement. Mr W< Bullen, of the Elms station, had advised the Department that when the location engineer reached Oaro he would be able to show the engineer over a more practicable route than the present one through this district. Trial surveys would be made. Referring to the successful floating of the New Zealand loan in London, Mr Healy stated that the Hon. E. A. Ransom had informed him that £l,600,000 was now available for railway purposes. The greater: portion of this amount would be devoted to the completion of the South Island Main. Trunk line. It was only fair that the South Island should get its turn. Lines ir other parts of New Zealand had been proceeding at a great pace while the South Island suffered. He assured the couferonce that the members of Parliament would take all possible steps to get the biggest grant possible. Mr J. E.' Strachan, of the Canterbury Progress Leagues-said that the sej>prt of the progress and projections was most encouraging-and showed that the Government was desirous of; pushing the work ahead;

Mr W. J. Girling; of the Marlborough Progress League,, stated that, during the past few years Sir Joseph Ward had clearly ..indicated,.that the line should be constructed. He had. looked upon- it in' a Broader view than had other- members, and but for his support the line; would not show its present progress. The speaker stated that he considered that the question of finance need not enter, into the problem so long as the Government. had money in the Consolidated Fund. He made a suggestion that members and persons interested!in ,the project should make use of the'aeroplane to become better acquainted with the country through which .the line would run. The Marlborough Aero Club would be willing to assist in this matter. He was sure that any who made such a trip could not help but be impressed by the fertility of the country that would be opened up. In the Clarence Valley alone .there was .land that would make the' line "pay." The" residents of Marlborough gave the project their wholehearted support and were looking forward to the day when they could travel to Christchurch by the railway. Co-operation between the districts concerned would eventually-bring the line to completion. ■•■■■■• .'f-.*£". • •= Later the conference went into committee, and on resuming in open meeting Mr Healy, announced? that • steps should be taken to disabuse the public mind of any* idea', that: the i work 'on the line would stop at the Conway River and at the. Clarence' River, leaving the central portion linfinishedi It was one of the- main planks of the Government's policy to put- the line right through. ' :