BOARD TO APPROACH MINISTER

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 8, 5 October 1943, Page 3

BOARD TO APPROACH MINISTER

River Protection Work

Dominion Special Service.

HASTINGS, October 4. The question of the protective bank at Karamu railway bridge winch was some time ago lowered by tbe department is to be taken up by tbe Hawkes Bav Rivers Board with the Minister of Railways. At today’s meeting of tbe board the attitude of tbe department was regarded as being unreasonable m view of the added protection given to the railway line by the board’s work. One member termed the attitude of the department, as stupid. The board recently requested that an engineer from the department should confer with tbe board. In reply the department intimated that unless the board was prepared to accept the departments conditions it seemed futile for their engineer to meet the board. The chairman. Mr. C. Lassen, pointed out that the conditions referred to by the department included a request, that the board raise the railway line for a distance of three-quarters of a mile. , The board refused this, being of the opinion that the board’s work afforded protection to the railway line by keeping the Ngaruroro Hood waters from it. The raising of tbe line was not reasonable and it was nut in the best interests of the district, said Mr. Lassen, who added: “We consider that tbe department is now better off than ever as the result of 'our works.’ 1 “Can’t we go to tbe Minister, instead of bothering with officials, because unless we do we won’t get anywhere?” asked Air. G. Fairey. “The whole thing is too stupid and should be fixed up. as it affects a lot of people,” commented Mr. L. E. Harris. “We should meet the three numbers o* Parliament for the district on the ground and let *them see for themselves how stupid is the attitude of the department. We should take tbe matter up with Minister through them.” The board decided do make representations to the Minister through the local members of Parliament.