THE NORTH RAILWAY LINE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21544, 16 January 1932, Page 14

THE NORTH RAILWAY LINE

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— May I add a suggestion as a partial solution of the unemployment problem? I have read many suggestions that have been put forward, including one by Mr Ansell, member for Chalmers, for the reclaiming of the bay at Waitati. In times of financial stress such as we are experiencing at the present time only such works as will give some direct return should be undertaken. There is an excessive number of sharp curves on the north railway line between Merton and Sawyers’ Bay. It would be quite an inexpensive matter to eliminate some curves altogether. In other cases the curves could be given a much wider radius, thus enabling trains to run to a much faster time table and engines to haul their tonnages with a much reduced coal consumption. The cost also of track maintenance and vehicle repairs would be reduced. When travelling by tram one frequently hears comment about slowness of trains.

Those who complain are evidently unaware that speed restrictions at curves decide to a large degree the time taken to make the journey. I trust Mr Ansel 1 and other local members of Parliament will make some effort to have this work put into operation as soon as possible and thereby give employment to some of those who are less fortunate than ourselves. I cannot visualise the time when out railways must be scrapped, as I am sure we are not in a position to throw away about £60,000,000. Why. therefore, not make them up-to-date?—l am, etc., January 14. Railways First.