RAILWAY DEVIATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 244, 14 October 1937, Page 6

RAILWAY DEVIATION

Sir, —Air Cotterill’s reply 1o “Fair Play” doesn’t cut much ice. It would be interesting to know just how our worthy member arrived at his conclusions regarding this matter and does he suggest that Air Draffin and all those behind him are “parochial minded?”

Will not the saving in haulage of £33,000 per annum be a “national” benefit as also the lesser cost of maintenance due to shorter mileage, elimination of several useless stations, level crossings, etc., etc.? Also the benefit to the Taranaki province as a whole, and the fact that the proposed Draflin route would place the main line within five minutes of the Wanganui Airport; are all these “parochial” considerations in Air Cotterill’s mind?

I think Mr Cotterill himself is the “parochial-minded” one. He is afraid or the “kick” that might come from Wanganui East. However, what benefits Wanganui proper will also benefit the suburbs, and if it is the workshops that are worrying him there is no reason why they can’t remain where they are and the present line be the connecting link. What we want is not a Government “big enough to consider” the matter, but one that will get on with it and “do” the only obvious thing to do. This week the Manager of Railways and staff will be in Wanganui to inspect the proposed deviation. What are the residents of this city going to do? What are the Taranaki Chambers going to do to help this scheme which they favour? Are they going to get solidly behind Mr Draffin or are they content to see Wanganui “shelved” for all time? —I am etc., “NATIONAL.”