N.Z. RAILWAYS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1929, Page 7

N.Z. RAILWAYS

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S STATEMENT. x ßy Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 2. Referring to tho “Financial News” cable, Sir Joseph Ward comments:— I notice in the cable news reference to an article in the “Financial News” on the position of the railways apparently arising out of the discussion that has been taking place in New Zealand concerning what is commonly referred to as the Smith Island Main Trunk. I have not seen the full text of the article referred to, but it appears to have been written under a misapprehension as to the facts. The Government is not going to embark on the construction of any new lines but merely proposes to complete the existing trunk lines and it is essential in the interests of the Dominion that the main lines should be completed as soon as possible.

The financial position of the railways generally is admittedly not satisfactory at present, but this is due to nnotor competition, a difficulty that has become by no means confined to Now Zealand. As stated in the Budget, the Government proposed to take prompt action to remedy matters and when short branch lines have be4n dealt with and some measures of co-ordination have been obtained, between rood and rail transport, I feel sure that the trunk railways, as a whole, will cam full interest on the cost.

It cannot be gainsaid that the railways must be the backbone of the transport system and obviously the trunk lines must be finished before it will be possible to obtain a complete and unified transport system, based on co-ordination between road and rail transport.