LIGHT RAILWAYS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVIII, Issue 16829, 26 May 1919, Page 3

LIGHT RAILWAYS.

TWO-FEET GAUGE RECOMMENDED (Pe>- Press Association). . NELSON, May 23. A conference of representatives of local bodies and producers' organisations of the province considered questions relating to the development of the district. A long discussion took place on the question of the future of fruit transit and the meeting favoured a comprehensive system of light railways to serve the ports of Mapua, Motueka and Nelson. Captain Worley, New Zealand Engineers, who was in charge of light railway construction for the New Zealand Division on the Western Front, addressed a letter to the conference, strongly advocating the system of light railways as the solution of the traffic problems of the district. He favoured a 2-foot gauge, with steam or petrol engines for haulage the speed being about eight miles an horn- enabling lines to' he laid on the roadside without danger to ordinary traffic. The trucks used in France would carry about 4i tons of fruit. The distriot could be railed i n a few months and the system would be tar cheaper than the construction and maintenance of permanent roads „™ conference decided to cable to Mr Massey asking him to purchase light railway material for the district