RAILWAY PLANS.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1924, Page 4

RAILWAY PLANS.

STATEMENT BY MR MASSEY. CHRISTCHURCH, April 2. A deputation, so large that it could hardly be accommodated in The Ministerial room at the Government Buildings waited on the Prime Minister with a request that the Government should carry out the improvements on the Christcliureh-Lyttelton railway that were included in the Hilev Scheme. The deputation, which was described by Mr Massey as “a demonstration,” represented the whole of Canterbury.

In the course of his reply, Mr Massey said that there was an impression that Canterbury had not got justice as compared with the other parts of-New Zealand, but, even in lailway matters, Canterbury had not been neglected. Reference had been made to the goad-shed., which ho believed had l>cen a great- success, and work had been done in the yards.

“Did you ever see the railway station in Wellington?” ho was asked. “I never saw one,” exclaimed Mr Massey. A Voice: “There are two!” Mr Massey: “There are two old sheds! They have only one hole in the hill to Wellington from Wairarapa. I mention that as a case in point. That is an urgent matter. A start has been made. but. it will take many years to finish. Band,” he continued “was to be reclaimed for a station. Auckland was very little better. The Minister of Public Works bad made a statement to him regarding urgent work; during the coming financial year. He did not intend fo give away that statement. He would recommend the Minister, however, to put this work into his list, and to allow it to in l proceeded with as soon as possible.

So far as the electrification of the tunnel was concerned, said Mr Masse v, it was first a questi llll of whether the present tunnel was to lie duplicated, or whether another should he put through the hill. ITis own opinion was in favnurr of duplication, and until that had been done, they could not make up their minus in regard to electrification. 11 is own opinion was that this short piece of line should he electrified. In regard to the Arthur’s Pass electrification, added Mr Massey, there bad been no complaints, am: he understood that there was scarcely v lutcli. Mr Witley asked if Mr Mavwqv conk pi vo a reply definitely within two: months. Mr Massey said he woitnl let ti.cm know before Parliament met.