TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 22, Issue 30, 21 April 1911, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

The difficulty of large estates blocking

South Island Main Trunk

the way to railway extension has long been evident in regard to the northern por-

tion of the South Island Main Trunk line. This matter was mentioned to the Hon. R. McKenzie by a press in-

terviewer upon the Minister’s return from officially opening a section of the line between Seddon and Ward stations. “ The woi k will be vigorously pushed on,” said Mr McKenzie. “ especially at the southern end, though there are some large estates in the way. The question of dealing with this matter at both ends of the construction is a policy one, but I hold the opinion that unless the railway is pushed on we shall h - * punishing the taxpayer for the large estates by Keeping a lot of line unproductive because it does not provide through connection. The railway at the northern end has reached its limit of profitable country. We have just opened a length of over fourteen miles to Flaxbourne, at a cost of £IBB,OOO, and as the land is closely settled as far as that point, theie wifi be a large traffic which will benefit, not only the new line, but the old section between Stddon and Picton, which has been opened for some years. Reclamation works are just being completed at Picton, and the Minister for Railways has been invited to go over to formally start work on the new wharf shortly.”