RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 214, 4 June 1920, Page 6

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION

MAIN LINES SHOULD BE FIRST CONSIDERATION. By Telegraph—Press Association. • Auckland, June 3. Questioned to-day as to what the future policy of his Department would bo in regard to railway construction, tho Hon. G. Coatcs said that his idea was to push on with tho completion of all main lines in accordance with thioir nationnl importance. Ho could not say for the moment which were tho most important lines, nor would lie make a public statement on the subject until lie Had drawn up his scheme and placed it before Cabinet. It would be for Cabinet to decide what course should bo. followed. All he could do was to mako hit recommendations, and if these were varied in any way, then tho Government would bo responsible. Instead ot constructing a whole lot of lines throughout the country, his object was to lay down a well-defined system which' would ensure tho speedy completion of any lines taken in hand. It would be a suioidal policy to follow the system adopted by previous Governments of starting lines in every little nook and corner all over tho country. Ilis idea was that the main lines should bo the first consideration of his Department, and then others of less importance comparatively would follow. Mr. Coates mentioned that tho North Auokland main trunk line is to be pushed on with all speed. Jiis idea beiiij? to got it completed as quickly as possible.