RAILWAY WORKS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21241, 23 January 1931, Page 6

RAILWAY WORKS.

SUSPENSION OF GISBORNE LINE MEETING OP PROTEST. (Pee United Pbess Association.) GISBORNE, January 22. Another crowded public meeting was held this evening to , hear the Railway Committee’s report of its interview with Ministers protesting against the suspengion of work oo ttie Gisborne-Waikokopu line, by which 724 men were thrown out of employment at a week’s notice. The Mayor (Mr D. W. Coleman) presided over an enthusiastic meeting, and speeches were delivered by Jleasrs C. Matthews (representing the Cook, v\ aikohu, Uawa Waiapu and Matakaoa connties), C. H.< Williams (Sheepowners’ Federation and Harbour Board), Bloore (Chamber of Commerce), P. Ball (Power Board), W. Lisant Clayton (Civic Railway League), W. D. Lyenar, M.P. and K. S. Williams; M.P. • v; Mr Williams outlined the plans fora visit of members of Parliament, comprising Reform and Labour members, to inspect the railway works and the district. The party, which will include several South Island members of both parties, will leave Wellington next Wednesday. The speaker who organised the tour said he desired to explain why the United members were not asked. _ The Minister had already received an invitation from the Railway Committee, ’but so far had not replied, and the speaker considered it a matter, of courtesy not to ask the United members, as this invitation had been already extended to their leaders. At/the conclusion of the meeting the following resolution was passed unani- * mously:—“That this representative meeting of the people of Poverty Bay approve* of the work done by the Railway Committee, and pledges its continued support to the committee in its endeavours to secure a continuation of work on the WaikokopuGisborne section of the Napier-Gisbornf line; further, this meeting recommende the committee (1) to use every effort tf persuade the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet to visit the district and investigate the position on the spot; (2) to consider the advisability of sending another deputation to the Prime ister if he cannot visit the district; and (3) to consider the advisability of having a petition signed in duplicate for presentation both to the Prime Minister ant to the Speaker of the House,”