PROPOSED COMPLETION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 218, 14 September 1934, Page 8

PROPOSED COMPLETION

SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK TRANSPORT POLICY. [ Per Press Association. J CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 12. The question whether the South .Island Alain Trunk line should be completed was considered at a conference of local bodies’ representatives this morning. The conference was held under/the auspices of the Canterbury Progress League. Addresses were given by Dr. W. E. Redman (president of the Marlborough Progress League) and Air. J. E. Strachan, of Rangiora. The speaker said that the line was an important link in the railway system and would certainly pay. The Government would reap a huge benefit through the increase in the value of Crown lands, and the productive value of freeholds would also increase. '.l'ho policy of administering the Transport Act was attacked by Air. W. Johnston, president of the Canterbury Progress League. “Personally I feel that railways are essential for the well-being of the community,” said Air. Johnston, “but 1 fear, when reading the decisions of the various Transport Boards and the decisions of the Transport Co-ordination Board, that the policy of both is that the railways have got to be supported at all hazards. In other words, I feel that co-ordination has not started, and that the way the Act has been administered is repressive, so far as road transport is concerned, because too great a consideration has been given to the railways. It looks as if the railways have to be saved almost to the extenction of road transport and to the detriment of the country at large, both commercial and pastoral. 1 mention that because in the question of road transport is bound up the question of the South Island Alain I’Aink line.” It was announced that after the representatives had reported to their bodies an indication would be expected from them as to what stand the Canterbury Progress League should take on the matter.