NELSON TROUBLES

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1931, Page 3

NELSON TROUBLES

STOPPAGES OF WORK. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) NELSON. April 1. The 'removal of the rails on tii<> sus pended works of the Nelson section ol the Midland’Line was'the' subject, ot the strongest criticism by the City Council, ’file, action was ehnracioi •wet as an absolute breach ol taitli. A reply from the Government was read stating that the removal of the rails would not prevent the Government from restarting the work when it was ready to do so; hut that, it would be absurd, to purchase other rails for use elsewhere and at, The same time allow the rails to rust at G lon hope.

Councillors said that the rails should lie used at Glenhope in accordance witli Atlic Government’s promise. It would also provide work on a sound project.

It was decided that the Mavor Mr \V. J. Moffatt, be sent, to Wellington to interview the ..members, to. the Legislature.

A serious position is arising with Unclosing of the Onakakn Iron and Steel Works. It was the subject of discussion by the City Council. Councillor Higgins said that the matter affected New Zealand, as this was a national industry. Councillor Washhouni said that it was., only right to point out that Urn Government, although it, had tuned down the Company’s last appeal, had. on ti e whole, given gi nemos treatment. The position was a particularly unfortunate one. because the Company was producing £BO,OOO worth ol goi. l *--

yearly, all of which money must now go out of' the country. It was quiff possible to succeed. r l In* Domin or importations of iron and steel products totalled two millions in value, so the possibilities were great.