PAEKAKARIKI HILL

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160736, 24 August 1920, Page 3

PAEKAKARIKI HILL

PROPOSED deviation. (I’er United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August 23. A deputation representing the Chambers of Commerce and local bodies on the West Coast of the North Island between Wellington a&d Wanganui interviewed Mr Massey to-day to press the claim for tho deviation of the railway and road to avoid the Paekakariki Hill. Mr Massey agreed that the road, waa bad. He said it, with others, would have to be taken in hand when the Government had labour and money to do ihe work. He promised that the work would be commenced as soon as possible, but he could not fix a date. There was a number of lines of railway approaching completion, and it would be siinply folly to undertake any more woi’ks of importance until some of these lines were out of hand. Surveys had been made for West Coast lines, and authorisation had been given. All that the Government was waiting for were men and materials. As soon as labour could be obtained at a reasonable rate the work world be undertaken. A member of the deputation: Suppose we find labour for you? Mr Massey; You can get labour only by taking men away from some other works, or some other local body which needs them just as badly. The member of the deputation explained that ho had no such idea in mind. Mr Massey: Very well, bring them along. He added that the Government could employ £OOO more men on publio works if they could get them. The Public Works Minister said ho had no hope that any considerable part • of the cost of this new road would be paid for out of motor taxation. As to when the deviation would have to be undertaken, it was really a matter for tiro Railway Department to say whether it was losing money in using the present line. He would consult with his engineers and let the deputation know the result. Replying to a questioner, Mr Massey said ihe Government would consider any proposal to improve tho present position.