The Midland Railway.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16420, 14 January 1919, Page 6

The Midland Railway.

There was one passage in the Public Works Statement which, somewhat to our surprise, does not appear to have attracted the attention of the Midland Railway League, although it is of decided interest to that body; The Minister says: During the year investigations have been made, of suitable sources of supply for current to haul trains through the Arthur's Pass tunnel, tho completion of which is now within reasonable distance. Alternative schemes have been evolved " for carrying the train service through the tunnel only and over considerable* lengths of the mountain section of railway on both eastern and western sides, but no definite decision has been reached as to which scheme will be adopted. It is easy to understand that during the war it was practically impossible to secure the necessary plant for electrifying this railway. It is quite likely this difficulty may continue for some little- time after peace has been declared. But surely the details of the scheme ought to be settled, and the order for the plant sent Home, so that it may be sent out as soon as the shipping and manufacturing conditions admit of this being done. Otherwise we may have the tunnel finished and still bo unable to use the railway for want of the electrical equipment. Or the delay in getting the plant may be used as an argument in favour of a policy of "go slow" in regard to the tunnel. When we think of the enormous amount of public money sunk in this railway—money on which the interest has to be regularly paid— surely common-sense tells us that it ought to be pushed on with tho utmost energy so that the increase of revenue from the finished line may be set off against the interest bill. In any case we hope that the details of the schome will be settled while Mr Parry, the Chief Electrical Engineer, is in the Dominion, so that tho Government may have the advantage of his professional experience and advice.