Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 1920. LINKING UP THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2143, 24 June 1920, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 1920. LINKING UP THE MAIN TRUNK LINE.

TUESDAY inghtV combined meeting of tho Borough Conned and Chamber of Commerce, convened by the Mayor, to discuss tlis steps to he taken in reference to urging upon the Government the necessity of linking up the Main Trunk Line between Marlon or Great ford and Levin. aroused a good deal of enthusiasm. As previously pointed out, the agitation for this work of national importance has been revived owing to the contemplated action of the Departmental authorities in removing tiie Palmerston railway station from its present congested -die In more open country on the outskirts of the town, which will provide .ample space for dealing with the everincreasing trathe at this important railway centre. Apart from this. Palmerston is seriously handicapped in its development owing to the railway running through the heart of the town —an enginsmng blunder of the past, A further necessary expansion of railway facilities would ultimately convert, the business centre of Palmerston into a lingo shunting yard. - However, Palmerston can be left to adjust local nut Iters between itself and Department. 'the point which Parliamentmust consider is whether it would he justified’ in spending a huge sum of money in providing an extensive railway depot al Palmerston, which could he obviated by linking up the Main Trunk line between the points referred to. Such connection woidd not only relieve the congestion at this point, hut would shorlen the distance between Welling!on and Auckland and lessen the journey by upwards of two hours, and would also mean a considerable saving of unnecessary haulage via Palmerston from all parts north and west of Marlon. These points will have to he carefully reviewed by Parliament when considering commitments for the Palmerston deviation. It nm\' he argued that Ihe cost o! the linking up scheme would lie m excess of the Palmerston deviation, hut the ultimate gain lo the Stale would outweigh any such consideration. The proposed conference will need lo hustle if Ihe mailer is to receive (he consideration ol Parliament al Ihe forthcoming session. It is for those interested in the linking up of the Main ’1 mill', line lo show the Department a heller way out of the diflienlty.