PUBLIC WORKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1920, Page 4

PUBLIC WORKS.

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION POLICY

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, June 5

Questioned to-day as to what the future policy of his Department would be in regard to Railway, construction, the Hon. Gordon Coates said his idea was to push on with, the completion of all the main lines in accordance with their national importance. He could*not say for the moment .which were the most important lines, nor would he make a public statement on the subject until he had drawn gp liis scheme and placed it before the Cabinet, it would he for the Cabinet to decide what course would be followed. All he could do was to make his recommendations, and if these wei*e varied in any way then the Government would he responsible. Instead of constructing a whole lot of lines throughout the country, his object was to lay down a well-defined system which would ensure the speedy completion of any lines taken in band. It would be a suicidal policy to follow the system adopted by previous Governments of starting lines in every little nook aild corner all over the country. His idea was that the main lines should he the first consideration of his Department, and then others of less importance comparatively would follow.

Air Coates mentioned that the North Auckland main trunk line is to be pushed on with all speed, his idea being to get that completed as quickly as possible.