MAIN TRUNK CONNECTION

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 85, 5 July 1928, Page 5

MAIN TRUNK CONNECTION

PROGRESS OF THE WORK.

the RECENT DEPUTATION,

At last night's meetilng of the Chamber of Commerce, the chairman (Mr. .1. B, Richards) said that when the Hon. K. S, Williams, Minister of Public Works, was in Strutford recently, it happened that Mr. C-- E.. Bellringer, M.P., chairman of the Njpy Plymouth Harbour Board, wap; here too and ho and others made representations to the Minister pointing out the importance of the line, . following up \what had been brought before tho Minister by letter by the Chamber of Commerce. • Mr. Williams whs asked if he would go into the matter of advising as to ■ the 'wisdom, 'of pushing oi« with greater activity from the eastern end. It was impressed on the Minister that the completion of the line was eagerly awaited by Taranaki people. The grant desirability of making -some pronouncement which would indicate ■to people generally when the railway was likely to be completed was impressed on the Minister. Mr. Bellringer spoke with considerable force in connection with the harbour, and he pointed out that it was very nocr cssary for the Harbour Board to ..-know when the, railway was likely to- be finished 1 . Tfc was also pointed out .that private individuals wanted the information. The linfomiation> would 'make a wonderful difference to people in business. When it was known when the lino would -be com'plcted It might b© necessary to alter existing business arrangements. . 'Even people in a small way wore effected. - When the railway Junction -, was established at Stratford .existing business would need to be ' enlarged and others would need to bo established. People wanted the information as accurately Us possible.,, Mr. Williams promised to go into the matters of expediting the work and making a pronouncement. The Chamber still had to see that an adequate .sum Was placed on this year’s Estimates for the railway. Mr. P. Thomsen asked whether the proposed RetoruarTaupo railway would not detrimentally affect the construction of other Hues now under construction. There was a limit to the amount of money available for public works. He understood from the statements of Ministers that the Government intended to complete railways in hand) before commencing any

more, _ The chairman: It is difficult tor ns to'®ay anything. > Mr. Thomson; Wo might bo accused of a dog-in-tlic-imuigcr attitudeThere is alrd.uly a private line on the ■ Mr.. W. Power said he understood the Government scheme would take in part of thi s lino. The chairman said it was dangcioi » to pass a resolution without being in possession of all the tacts. Mr. Thomson; There have ,ee Commissions on the line and they hayO a)l reported favourablyHo action was taken.