FAIL ROUTES TO WANGANUI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 145, 19 June 1944, Page 4

FAIL ROUTES TO WANGANUI

Sir, —I think it. would be safe to say that not more than ten per cent, of the citizens fully realise the critical position facing Wanganui in regard to i transport generally, and railway communication in particular. Cre would gather from election speeches that a further effort is being made to induce the Railway Department to abandon work on the Deniair deviation (in view of serious detects that have become apparent in the tunnels) and have the line brought in direct from Turakina along the C< ?t is to be hoped that the people of Wanganui will bestir themselves and demand the only logical route through the citv. If the coastal route, both north and. south (and south in particular). is not adopted at this critical stage in the town's progress, it might spell disaster for generations to come. The Railway Department confirmed the inland route south of Wanganui by proceeding with the Deniair deviation. The Railway Department, however, were only concerned with the running of their own particular service: tbev were not primarily interested in the prosperity of Wanganui as a commercial unit. Why, then, should the heart of this department, who may he less informed on Wanganui’s special requirements than ourselves. have the power to decide a matter which so vitally concerns the city? The people should have the bigger sav because, after all. they pay for and use the service. If the people do not feel competent to choose for themselves thev should employ a body of experts to decide the matter for them. I believe this matter is so vitally important to our city that, a commission should he appointed to thoroughly investigate every aspect of transport in its relationship Io the City of Wanganui. and lay down a plan for a long period ahead.—l am. etc.. “WHANGANUI.”