PALMERSTON RAILWAY COMMISSION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2248, 8 March 1921, Page 3

PALMERSTON RAILWAY COMMISSION.

Wellington, March 7. ' The Inquiry into railway facilities at Palmerston North was continued to-day, when evidence in support of the department’s proposals was called.

•F. W. Mac Lean, chief engineer, said that the conditions had been causing -concern for many years, which was increasing as time went on. Irrespective of any deviations in the trunk line, some alterations were essential, as the conditions were chaotic. He put in plans of the various schemes proposed, and said that if Cook Street were closed the case would not be met. The deviation scheme with compensation, would cost £600,,000. From every point of view the deviation scheme was the best, and could be completed in four years with the use of up-to-date appliances.

The general manager (Mr R. W. MeVilly) said that the position at Palmerston North was so serious that unless it was tackled in earnest almost immediately the Department would be unable to carry on properly. He was convinced that a solution could not be secured with the station in its present position. The scheme to be recommended was a deviation from Longburn around the western side of the borough to some distance beyond Terrace End. Alterations to the existing station and yards would cost £400,000 without ensuring that the present position would not arise in the future. The commission meets in 'Palmerston North on Wednesday.