THE PALMERSTON" DEVIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2200, 9 November 1920, Page 2

THE PALMERSTON" DEVIATION.

THOSE interested in the EevinMart on deviation of the Main Trunk line are naturally disappointed at that porlion of the Kaihvays AutliorEation Dill which includes the Palmerston deviation proposals. It was understood that Ihe Prime Minister would,, not sanction this work until he, in company with the Minister for Public Works, had gone over the

.proposed route of the Levin-Marlon deviation. The Prime Minister, when reminded of his promise by .Mr Field, said ilia I what he had slated was that he would go -over the ground before the work was eommeneed. It would be impossible to eommenee the work between now and next session, unless this legislation was passed. Mr Hi ley had reported that; the work at Palmerston North was most urgent, and it was a wonder that traffic* eould be dealt: witli under present eondilions. .Mr Field: “Then, why not adopt Mr lliley’s report?” The Prime Minister said that he was not sure Avhat was the exaet reeommendalion of Mr Ifiley, exeept that, next to (,'hvisieluu'eh, this was the most important work in the Dominion. Mr Field: “What is the use of going over the ground when you have made up your minds ’'’ The Prime .Minister: “We have not made up our minds. We are taking the necessary authority, and if the proposals agree with what the Minister of Public Works and I tbink should be done, Ihe work will be gone <m with when eapital and labour are avail-

able. - ’ The Minister of Public Works (Hon. J. G. Coates) said authority was only now being taken for the work' at Palmerston. It is conceded that (rathe arrangements at Palmerston North are congested, and something must he done immediately to relieve this congestion. The point is whether the Government is justified in spending a large sum of money on a deviation when by linking up the Main Trunk lino between .Marlon and Levin the congestion at Palmerston eould be avoided, and the journey between Auckland and Wellington considerably reduced in time and distance. We do not think the Palmerston deviation under these circumstances will he sanctioned. Thai the agitation for linking up Ihe .Main Trunk line between Marlon and Levin is the work of interested laud owners along the route is childish nonsense. It will not add one penny piece to the value of the land. Further, the Stout Commission had not reported against this deviation, but bad only said that the time was inopportune for the work. The Palmerston goods yards extension may be justified, but to sanction the Palmerston deviation would be a scandalous waste of public money.