NORTHERN TOUR

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 135, 5 December 1938, Page 10

NORTHERN TOUR

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

DARGAVILLE, This Day,

The Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), accompanied by departmental officers, arrived at Tangowahine by the rail-car Tokomaru on Saturday afternoon. He inspected the construction and route of the uncompleted section of the railway between Tangowahine and Dargaville, where he arrived at about 4 o'clock. He was met by a large crowd, including the Mayor, Mr. Raymond Gibson, members of the Borough Council, the Hobson County Council, Dargaville Chamber of Commerce, and Farmers' Union.

The chief point of discussion was whether the route adopted by the Department into Dargaville was the shortest that could be found. After hearing representations and also replies by the departmental officers, the Minister said he would consider carefully the notes of evidence which had been submitted and would give a reply at an early date. From the Minister's reply to speakers and the case put up by departmental officers, there is no indication that any alteration will be made in the route into Dargaville.

Mr. A. E. Harding, former member of Parliament for Kaipara, suggested that the route could be shortened by the pulling up of the Kirikopuni balloon loop.

The Minister interjected: "At no very distant date, Mr. Harding."

The section between Kirikopuni and Tangowahine, including the loop, is still under the control of the Public Works Department. The loop is pearshaped and is probably the most discussed railway feature in the Dominion. It adds about two and a half miles to the section.