NAPIER-GISBORNE RAILWAY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17946, 25 November 1932, Page 9

NAPIER-GISBORNE RAILWAY

(To the Editor of tho Herald.)

Sir,—The reading of the portion of the Public Works’ statement relating to the construction of the Napier to Wairoa section makes one wonder at the state of mind of the Government and the Railways Board. Is it possible that Mr. Forbes is ignorant of the position, or is it only the courage of his obstinacy that makes him so set against completing even this section of our line? In either case the responsible position be holds is too much for him. The Railways Board, is either also grossly incompetent to judge, ignorant of the true- position, or acting under definite instructions from Mr. Coates and others who are so unwilling to do anything for the East Coast. But tho worst feature of the whole question is the inconsisteusy of these politicious who hold the destinies of the- country in their hands. Their only consistency (which is very often the refuge for unreceptive and obstinate minds) is their attitude towards every reasonable request from Gisborne. The relation of a few of the statements of our leading politicians would be amusing were it not tragic. A few months ago Mr. Forbes, said “The days of railways are over”; at the opening of the Stratford railway, after the usual platitudes, he spoke of the great development in primary production that must follow the construction of the line, and of its value to the whole of Taranaki and the country generally. Let those who know the country or who even read of the difficulties of construction through that appalling region, picture tho marvellous increase of settlement along the line! If this railway which really only gives the producers of Taranaki an alternative route to Auckland markets and additional business to Auckland city men, is justified, how much more would Poverty Bay-benefit by any access at all? But Mi’. Forbes can see no good purpose in giving us our just dues. Mr. Qoates also spoke of “added production,” the same week he agrees to limit New Zealand’s production of produce for our only markets, also, while agreeing, with American interests, to cut down our exports, ho spends days in working out grandiose schemes for adding to production bv putting thousands" of mostly inexperienced- men on. 10-acre farms. Mr. Coates on one side admits that expert farmers cannot make a living, then puts inexperienced men to show them how to do it! The same statesman told us, when we stressed the possibilities of new settlement and increased production in Poverty Bay, thai railways were no- longer of any developmental value, but solely means of com munication between populous centres by the shortest route. Soon afterwards his only excuse for the Taupo railway < which he so energetically fathered, was “the wonderful developmental value of such a line.” The Government’s excuse for putting unemployed men into country camps to •assist the farmer to increase prorl action —by cheap labor, paid: for by the whole community—but as our local market is over-supplied, where is the increased iproduce going if the same Government prevents its export to Great Britain? A few months’ ago Mr. Forbes said that New Zealand had passed the worst of the depression, and he could see a brighter future soon;, now he bids us prepare for an even worse time! Is it a truism that ‘Those whom the Gods wish to destroy they first make mad.” In this case at least, if not yet quite devoid of reason, the Government S acts are costing, them the respect and support of the thinking section of the, community. We are undoubtedly going through most difficult tunes, but when reasonable suggestions are made, with the sole idea of helping the country along, it is almost heartbreaking to receive neither intelligent acknowledgement not fair treatment. Access to markets for our great flocks; and herds, travel by rail for 40,000 people, and closer settlement on sensible lines and good country, are the major requirements of Poverty Bay. But we get no response from the most inconsistent Government, that New Zealand has ever had.—l am,, yours etc., “DIOGENES.”