NAPIER-GISBORNE LINE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1609, 28 November 1912, Page 4

NAPIER-GISBORNE LINE.

MINISTER'S ACTION JUSTIFIED. During the late session of .Parliament a number of members commented unfavourably upon the decision of the Minister for Public AVorks (the Hon. W. Fraser) to hold over tho construction of the railway north from Napier. One fact adduced by the Minister in support of his determination was that the local bodies concerned had not agreed as to the liri'3 to be taken by an embankment which is to carry the railway across the Napier inner harbour. Subsequent events have shown that Mr. Frascr was justified in advancing this argument, for.at a meeting of local body delegates held at Napier on Monday afternoon to oonsider the lino of the proposed embankment, no agreement was arrived at. The meeting ultimately adjourned without passing any resolution on the question before it. It was agreed that tho Hnwko's Bay Rivers Board, which had not been represented, Should bo asked to send delegates to any future meeting. Commenting editorially upon the matter, the "Hawke's Bay Herald" of November 20, remarks:—

"If anything was necessary to justify tho action of Mr. Frassr, the Minister for Public Works, it was provided by tho conference of delegates from Hie various local bodies which was held yesterday afternoon. It was perfectly evident that he only stated the facts when he said that no agreement had been come to with regard to' the embankment. . In tact, as tlio meeting progressed, it became clear that there were considerable differences of opinion, and in the end it was found necossarv to adiourn to enable the delegates to" consult thoir respective boards heforo further action was taken. Jt Rcems to us that unless some definite action is token, and tak»n promptly, the Minister when ho visits t''o district, will find opinions still divided."