PARLIAMENT’S DECISION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1931, Page 3

PARLIAMENT’S DECISION

ON NON-PARTY LINES. RECOMMENDATIONS OF RAILWAY BOARD. WELLINGTON, September 11. A clear - indication that the recommendations of the Railway Board will be dealt with by Parliament on 11011party lines was given by the Prime • Minister in an interview with a “Times” representative to-night. Mr Forbes said that the approval resolution would have to be submitted to both houses in accordance with the provisions ol the Government RailwaysAmendment Act and it would be foi Parliament to decide whether the recommendations of the board should ’he given- effect to or otherwise by passing ! or rejecting the resolution. For the proposals to become operative both Houses were required to pass the resolution. Responsibility tor originating the resolution automatical-, ly rested with the Government.

The board’s report, however, was now before the Inter-Party Committee, and Mr Forbes expressed the opinion that the; committee would, no doubt, after fully considering the proopsals give an indication as to the form the resolution to be submitted to the House should take. Consideration of the resolution by the House would he on strictly non-party lines. The Stratford Line. It is understood on good authority that the Railway Board at a future date will inspect and report to the House on the completion of the Okahti-kura-Tahora section, which is the final link in the Stratford-Main Trunk connection. The absence of reference to this line in the board’s report gave rise to some comment in political circles, but, as already explained, it is not mandatory for the board to report on all lines under construction.. M h‘‘ been learned, however, that the board intends to consider this section later.