RAILWAY LINES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 87, 9 October 1931, Page 8

RAILWAY LINES

CONSTRUCTION WORK

THE BOARD'S REPORT

APPKOVED BY COUNCIL

The resolution adopted by the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon approving of the recommendations of the Government Railways Board for the stoppage of railway lines under construction brings the recommendations into immediate effect. There was little opposition to the board's report. The Leader of the Council (tho Hon. R. Masters), in moving the motion, said the financial position of the country bad to be considered, as we^l as the possibility of raising money for railway construction in view of the board's report. Railway construction costs in New Zealand had gone up tremendously in recent years, and had gone as high as £78,000 per mile. Owing to the economic conditions borrowing abroad would have to be eliminated, and he doubted whether it would be wise for any Government to go onj the market for money that was not to be used for productive purposes. Whether the lines were to pay or not, it was doubtful if it would be possible to find the money necessary to carry on the construction work. Mr. Masters quoted figures showing the cost of completing the South Island Main Trunk line, and said it was apparent that it would not be wise to complete it. It was the responsibility of Parliament to say whether the taxpayers should be asked to bear greater burdens. The Hon. D. Buddo supported the recommendations of the board. WHAT OF THE FUTURE? The Hon. C. J. Carrington said he' intended to vote against the motion unless the Leader of the Council could give an assurance that tho work already done in bridging, the gaps of the main lines would be protected with a view tb completing the lines at a future date when they were in a position to do so. He thought the stoppage of the railways was going to be detrimental to New Zealand if it was going to be permanent. The Hon. W. H. M'lntyre criticised the methods which had been adopted by the board, particularly in reference to the Westport-Inangahua line. The board had gone round the country with its mind made up. The Buller line would never be subject to the competition of motor traffic, as the railways had a monopoly so far as the carriage of coal and timber was concerned. The Hon. R. M'Galium said it was regrettable that the Council should have been asked to consider the question at all. It was their duty to consider what was 'for the public good. It was impossible to say what would be the earning power of a railway line until it was completed. He hoped the Government would not adopt the dismal, attitude which had been adopted by the Railways Board. The Hon. G. J. Gow said the Gisborne district was very much held back owing to the lack of communication with the rest of New Zealand. He would vote for the resolution, not because he agreed that there should be a complete stoppage of tho work, but because he believed that the finances of tho country could not stand up to the cost of completing the lines at present. The Hon. W. Earnshaw supported the motion. If the board had taken six months to investigate the various lines it would have made no difference. However, he would support the completion of the Westport-Inangahua line. The Hon. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes welcomed the motion. The present was no time to borrow money for railway construction, he said. He agreed that the Westport-Inangahua line should be completed. Replying to the debate, Mr. Masters said he was not yet in a position to say what would be done with the lines as they were at present, but he had no doubt that the lines would be maintained in good repair. He wanted to' make it quite clear that the board did not dictate- to Parliament. The motion was carried by 23 to 2, Messrs. M'Callum and M'lntyro J constituting the minority. In Committee, Mr. M'lntyre moved to delete the reference in tho motion to the Midland line, but the amendment was. lost on the voices. <■' The motion was reported from Committee without amendment, and adopted. WELFARE OF MEN An assurance that the Government would make provision for the men who would be thrown out of work by the cessation of construction work on the South Island Main Trunk railway line was sought by Mr. E.F. Healy (Government, Wairau) in the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr. Healy asked what action the Government intended to take to provide for the welfare of the men and their dependants. He inquired whether tho men would be transferred to other works, and if any allowance would be made to them on account of their dismissal. "The matter is under the consideration of the Government," replied the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. G. W. Forbes). The Government desired to assist the men in every way it possibly could.