FARMERS’ UNION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144146, 16 July 1913, Page 7

FARMERS’ UNION.

LIGHT RAILWAYS, PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, July 16. Tho question o£ light railways for rural district came up for discussion at the Farmers* Conference to-day. In introducing the subject Mr. Hess, of Auckland, said tliat he did not advocate private railways as a whole, but ho thought the advantages were decidedly in, favour of branch railways constructed by private enterprise. Tho State did not build railways as efficiently as private companies. Ho was strongly of opinion that light railways would Confer groat benefit on rural districts and tho backhlocks. After discussion tho following motion was carried: “That this conference urge the Government to adopt a progressive policy for the construction of branch lines and tho development of a system of light railways and in cases where the Government cannot undertake their construction, to afford facilities for tho work being undertaken by tho local body or by private enterprise on the lines of the Belgian system. 5 * MAIN TRUNK LINES. There was some objection, to allowing a discussion to take place on a Marlborough remit urging tho completion of the South Island Main Trunk railway. Some delegates hold it was a local matter and not for the Dominion Conference to discuss. Tho chairman ruled, however, that tho question was ono which might very well be discussed. Tho remit was as follows; From a national point of view as well as from its colonial importance this conference enters a strong protest against such an important line as the South Island Main Trunk line being regarded as secondary to any line at present under construction. W© also recogiii.se' that tho delay in the completing of the lino is a serious drawback to tho shoepfarraers of Marlborough who look upon Canterbury as the mam outlet for their surplus >tock. After discussion the remit was withdrawn and the following motion adopted: “That the'main trunk lines of tho Dominion bo linked up by tho State as soon as possible. 55