WATERFRONT RAILWAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18130, 30 June 1922, Page 8

WATERFRONT RAILWAY

HARBOUR BOARD PROPOSAL.

.VIEWS OF BUSINESS MEN.

CHAMBER TAKES NO ACTION

The proposal of the Harbour Board to connect the Western and Prince's •Wharves witlr the existing railway in Quay Street was discussed by the Chamber of Commerce yesterday, after receipt of correspondence on the subject. The chairman, Mr. R. L. Stewart, invited Mr. W. B. Leyland, a member of the Harbour Board, to explain the position. The proposal had been the policy of the board for years, said Mr. Leyland. There had been nothing secret about it. Some people had said that it would be a terrible thing to cross the Queen'a Wharf, but the railway had crossed that wharf without any serious result. The problem now was as to the safety and convenience of passengers by the ferries. Undoubtedly they were entitled to consideration, and if the proposed continuation of the railway proved to be a serious difficulty the provision of a subway or an overhead way would have to be considered. Personally, he thought the position would |not be as bad as had been suggested. 'No steamers would be berthed there if ■there was room at the eastern side, exj eepfc steamers loading coal or lumber. | But it was necessary to give access to the i western wharves and sheds when it was wanted. Tons of cargo were being brought I along Quay Street now by motor-lorries [at 15 miles an hour, while a train would I not exceed four miles, an hour. In about 20 years the Gladstone Buildings would become the property of the board, and then a larger area could be provided. As regards the suggestion that -the board might be prohibited from carrying out the proposed work, he understood the ' Railway Department had the power to take a train through any street. It was | impossible to arrest the progress of the port, which required efficient railway communication with the wharves. Merchants, importers and manufacturers would not Ibo willing to pay the additional expenses involved if such communication were not provided. No port could attain 100 per 'cent, efficiency without adequate connection with the railway system. Mr. A. Spencer expressed the opinion i that the chamber would make a great I mistake if it went into this matter. As I business men they could not hinde* proi gress. , Mr. J. A. C. Alium said that if the | proposed extension of railway increased danger to the citizens its building would be resented. But as far as the chamber was concerned it could not take any action iin the matter. If the putting down of ■ rails in front of the Ferry Buildings would j affect the safety of the general public he would certainly support the public. | Mr. Leyland said that tho railway I would not intersect a (single street. If j'there was any serious danger the question |of providing an overhead way or a subj way could be considered. It war resolved that the chamber take no action in the matter. r ■ THE QUESTION OP CONSENT. I COUNCIL HAS NO JURISDICTION, i The proposed railway in Quay Street j to the Prince's Wharf was referred to by Miss E. Melville at the City Council meeting last evening. The councillor asked whether the railway could be laid down without the council's sanction. The Mayor, Mr. J. If. Gunson: "Yes; that was done in 1913. The Government lays the line and the council hau no jurisdiction."