AUCKLAND RAILWAYS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16668, 25 February 1922, Page 9

AUCKLAND RAILWAYS

(Pin Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 25. Replying to a deputation from the Railway League urging pursuance of work on the Waihi-Tauranga section of the Bast Const railway, the Hon J. G. Coates said that Auckland held out prospects of development by roads and railways that were greater than any other of the Dominion. Road and motor traffic was threatening the prosperity of some of the railways. Me had resolved to determine the commercial possibilities of every proposed line before he gave any further authorisation. In North Auckland he believed that the Golden Stairs tunnel would be finished before heavy construction work outside. The importance of the East Coast line was recognised. Tn complete the Waihi-Ta lira nga section would cost. £400,000. If there was not. sufficient money to carry on Ixith sections it was better to prooeod vigorously with one. Where there were three lines one should he proceeded with in North Auckland. The Midland] and Waikokopu branch were those to which unemployed could be diverted if necessary. He mighthave t-o work on the Waihi and East Coast railway owing to unemployment, but he could give no definite promise in regard to the line from Waihi to Ta lira nga.