MARLBOROUGH REJOICES

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1930, Page 5

MARLBOROUGH REJOICES

AT CABINET DECISION.

TO CONTINUE MAIN TRUNK.

ißy Telegraph—Press Association).

BLENHEIM, December 2-3.

Marlborough is almost in festive mood over the decision of Cabinet to continue the South Main Trunk, and keen gratification is expressed on all sides.

W. T. Churchward (President of the Marlborough Progress League), says the people of this Province are enthusiastically and unanimously convinced of the value of the project and are delighted to learn there is no risk of the work being suspended. Mr R. P. Furness (member of the Chamber of Commerce Progress Committee) says after years of study of the matter be is convinced that the Railway Department as a whole, can never pay its way, until the systems in the two Islands are linked together, via the South Main' Trunk and a freight ferry service, which will keep the goods on the railway, instead of presenting freight to various shipping companies as at present. Mr AY. J. 'Girling (former M.P.) describes the work as of paramount importance, which would put New Zealand Railways on their feet and at the same time develop a prosperous and fertile, but isolated territory. Mr E. F. Healy, M.P., after expressing gratification, reveals that the '-Select Committee on railway construction last session was informed that, even if Kirikoponi and Knitaia lines were finished, the Railway Department would decline to take them over from the Public Works. He sympathises with Nelson and G;bborna disappointment, and considers that in these cases work will be resumed when the economic situation improves.