A PROGRESSIVE POLICY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 11977, 14 May 1914, Page 4

A PROGRESSIVE POLICY.

Speaking at Gisborne last night the Prime Minister (Mr Massey) said Cabinet had decided that the time was ripe for a strong forward move, so far as the development of the country was concerned. The people needed bridges, roads, and railways, if the producers of the country were to make the most of their opportunities, and the opportunities must be improved for the people of the country as a whole. "I am going to ask Parliament this year," he added, "for a larger sum than for many years back for the carrying on of public works." As to railways, the Government could not possibly comply with all the requests that were being made. It was first necessary to pay attention to the trunk lines, such as would connect Napier and Gisborne with Auckland. They would not play the dog in the manger, however, but would give companies the opportunity of building and running such branch lines on condition that the standard gauge of the. New Zealand railways was used, and on the understanding that the State would some day take over these lines at a* valuation. This is indeed good news for the settlers of New Zealand and wo express our hearty approval of Mr Massey's attitude. We consider the Government would be justified in borrowing even to the extent of £10,000----000 for the construction of necessary works such as the Eimutaka deviation, Masterton-Waipukurau and NapierGisborne lines. With the carrying out of the policy outlined by the Prime Minister we can look to a great increase in the prosperity of New Zealand.