LIGHT RAILWAYS.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15024, 19 March 1919, Page 2 (Supplement)

LIGHT RAILWAYS.

NEEDED IN NEW ZEALAND.

(From "tie Colonist," March 11th.)

Some valuable first-hand information -concerning light railways was given to the Committee of Industries yesterday.

Captain R. Worley, civil engineer, v.-ho recently returned from the Western: front, whore he was in charge of light railway a construction under General Godley. in the Ypres sector, expressed the opinion that iigi.it railways would riay a very important part in opening up the "back country or Xew Zealand^ 'i'Jiey could be constructed with lightning l:ke rapidity, and" negotiate sharp curves. Generally, what they had achieved had exceeded the dreams of the expounders of the system. Light railways, witness said, could be constructed along the .. present country roads, "'here were dozens of places in New Zealand where they would lie a boon, especially 'where there was no metal. A light railway from Tapawera down tho Motueka Valley toTasman and Appleby, with feeders to Motueka, Riwaka, and oiher valleys, could Jink the whole district up with the present system. li would save a tremendous lot of labourMr Crajgie : And save the roads, .Captain Worley: Yes, and save the icads. The cost would be about onefifth the <ost of present railway construction. Ths engines could he manufactured in New Zealand. Replying to Mr Hudson, Captain Worley said he had made inquiries from the High Commissioner in "regard to the Government purchasing the lightrailway stock in France from the Wav Department, and he hncl promised to rofer tho xnidter to Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward. Personally, witness continue""], ho. favoured a two-foot gauge. Mr Oraigie expressed the opinion that --ghi railways.were absolutely necessary, ti; open Tip the country. Captain Worley said lie had been asked by .several runhdlders to inspect their properties with a view to putting in light railways. Mr 'Hornshy: We arc up against a, department which has set itself against; light railways.' In conclusion, Captain Worley urged i:he committee to do something' for tho back-block settlers by recommending the introduction' of liglit railways. The. chairman thanked Captain Worley for the information he had giv n the comn-.ittcr-, expressing tne opinion thnt it would he mi value-