Nelson subsidy cut criticised

Press, 20 April 1979, Page 3

Nelson subsidy cut criticised

PA ' Nelson The Government's decision to abolish Nelson's notional railway was attacked yesterday by a former National Party candidate. Mr P P. H. Malone, the party’s Nelson candidate in four General Flections and a Nelson city councillor, described the decision as unacceptable and discriminatory. Nelson was the only city in New Zealand without a physical rail link. These facilities were essential for Nelson’s continued viability as a healthy community. Nelson could not be examined on a par with rural areas which had lost branch lines. “The notional railway cannot be described as a subsidy," said Mr Malone. ’ “It is a considerable saving. The Napier-Gisborne link lost S3M in operating costs last year. The capital costs of the Kaimai tunnel

lalone would make the i notional-link requirement I from Government look like peanuts.” Mr Malone asked if Nelson had been picked on because it had two Labour members of Parliament. "Coastal-shipping interests must see beyond their pipe dreams. No-one can deny the I need to support and extend coastal shipping services. Removing the notional railway will not turn the economic comer for them. It will [only divert them from handling major and wide-ran-ging factors which have 'placed coastal shipping in its present situation.” Mr Malone warned against assumptions that Nelson could be made a special regional-assistance area. If this was introduced it would be of very limited benefit to most Nelsonians, all of whom will be adversely affected by the removal of the link.