MR. SEMPLE IN REPLY.

Chronicle (Levin), 2 September 1949, Page 7

MR. SEMPLE IN REPLY.

WELLING-TON, Sept. i. " To talk of discrimination in favour of Wellington in expenditure on public worlcs, is just parochial nonsense that does not contain a vestige of accuracy. ' ' With this comment, the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Semple, tonight replied to Mr. Johnston. . The Government was not concerned 'With one city as against another, saiu Mr, Semple, or with town versus country. It was concerned, howevfer, aboui the welfare, progress and developinent of the whole Dominion. Mr. Semple said he ha.|J made it quitc clear |hat it was the Government 's mtention to undertake major works in Auckland. The Government had gone to the expense of bringing to the country the most eminent autliorities in the world to report on Auckland transport including a proposed underground raiiway. It had also engaged the world 'n leading engineer to design the Aucldanu harbour bridge. "We don't propose to take any major step till we get the aclvice of these world authorities, " said i Mr. Semple. ' ' We wont be stampedeu ! into premature .undertakings by Mr. ! Johnston or by any other individual or ■ group of individuals. " The Minister said Mr. Johnston 's figure of £1,0(10,000 a mile for the new highway from Wellington to the nortn, were erroneous and rediculous and a considered reply would be given in,a ; few days.