SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK

Taranaki Daily News, 11 April 1930, Page 15

SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK

DENIAL BY MR. COATES. HIS ATTITUDE UNCHANGED. / Auckland, April 9. When interviewed in Auckland Mr. Coates denied having reached a decision that the South Island main, trunk railway should be proceeded, with. Mr. Coates said members of the Reform Party, Mr. Holland included, would remem Iter that the attitude of the party was clearly defined when the matter was discussed in the House last session. “So far as the South Island main t>:ink line is concerned the party considers that if an impartial survey of the case shows that construction can be justified then the work would go ahead,” said Mr. Coates. “But all the technical evidence clearly shows that great caution should be exercised.

“As to the Midland line, I am definitely of opinion that construction work there should cease until a thorough investigation has been made, particularly of the effect of the recent earthquake by which part of the route was badly shaken. We believe that before any new line is constructed,” Mr. Coates added, “a competent body of men should investigate all aspects in order to show whether or not a good road cannot at this stage economically serve districts through which the railway is proposed to be built. Jn view of the important 'bearing that motor traffic has upon transport economics at the present day it is very desirable that proper investigation should be made in each ease before plunging into heavy expenditures. ■ • “I think my attitude regarding the South Island main trunk railway, and all proposed railway lines for that matter, was made perfectly plain in my speech in Parliaiiient,” said Mr. Coates. “We believe that before any new line is constructed a competent bpdy ■«f men should investigate all aspects in order to show whether or not a good road cannot at this stage eeonomiedlly serve the districts through which a railway will run. In view of the important bearing that motor traffic has upon transport economics at the present day it is very desirable that proper investigation should be made in each case before plunging into heavy expenditure.” In any case the country should be made aware of the position as to whether profit or loss is to be faced by the construction of any line.