RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20264, 25 May 1929, Page 10

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION

EXPEDITING MAIN LINE3<

FOUR PRINCIPAL WORKS.

ACTIVITY IN SOUTH ISLAND.

[nr TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] NELSON. Friday.

Tho railways construction policy of tha Government was referred to by the Prima Minister, Sir Jospph Ward at a civic reception iD Nelson to-day. Sir Joseph said the rapid completion of the main lines had been placed in the forefront of the Governments policy at tho last election and had received the strong endorsement of tho majority of the people. It was the fixed determination of tho Government to carry out that policy, thus promoting the welfare ol: tho whole Dominion.

Sir Joseph Ward said he hoped to complete tho South Island railway in three or four years, the Nelson-West Coast railway in three or four years, and the Gisborne-Napiei lino in four or five years. The progress ol tho latter line would bo governed largely by the requirements of a large bridge. The Tara-naki-Auckland line would also be completed at tho same rate. Referring to the South Island railway connecting Picton with the South, Sir Joseph said that the Government chose the coastal route, as was done with the Gisborne-Napier line, for several reasons.Route was of less importance than completion, for settlers could connect with the railway by motor.