RAILWAY DEVIATION AND HOT AIR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2796, 11 October 1924, Page 3

RAILWAY DEVIATION AND HOT AIR.

DOG-IN-THE-MANGER ATTITUDE.

TO BE DEPRECATED.

The railway programme proposal by the Minister, which inter alia, included the Palmerston N. deviation and the,omission of any reference to the linking up of the Main Trunk line between Marton and Levin, which was laid —not adopted-—-be-fore the House last week, caused quite a stir locally. That reference to Palmerston N. requirements would be included is the programme was to be expected. No one denies the urgent necessity for improved railway facilities at Palmerston N., independent of the Marton-Levin deviation and the relief the latter will afford when constructed. There must bo no dog-in-the-manger attitude towards Palmerston N. in this connection. Further such works come within the sphere of railway experts —not laymen. Whatever is done at Palmerston N., whether deviation or a modified scheme, cannot ultimately prejudice the linking up of the Main Trunk line between Marton and Levin. Let local men get that fairly fixed in their heads and so save themselves from outside ridicule. Let us go a little further and remove the accusation that the Hiley scheme and present proposed Palmerston N/ deviation was, or is, the outcome of political wire-pulling or the evil machinations of land speculators. Both Palmerston schemes were initialed by Departmental experts absolutely independent of Palmerston’s vested or local interests, local hysteria to the contrary. If Palmerston public men subsequently boosted the. proposals why blame them? Let us remember, however much we desire to see the national work of linking-up t lie Main Trunk line between Marton and Levin consummated, that something must be done at Palmerston to meet present and future railway facilities. BADGERING MR. LTNKLATER. We expressed disapopintment that Mr Linklater had not seized the opportunity to express disapproval at the omission of any reference to the Marton-Levin link when the Minister tabled his railway programme to the House. We were not aware at the time that our member was not in the House when the programme was tabled and we would point out that the House is not notified of the time when such documents may be produced. We have bis assurance, however, that had lie been present he would certainly have done so and reiterated his previous advocacy of this national work. Anyhow, let Mr Linklater speak for himself. Here is his telegraphed communication to us: — - .. a AN EXPLANATION. “I was very much surprised when I read an account of a meeting held by the Foxton Borough Council in connection with the recent railway report presented to the House, last week. I certainly think the Mayor might have taken the trouble to communicate with me, asking for any explanation lie desired. On the afternoon in question I was absent at Government House and in common with other members, bad no idea that the report would be presented. I think my past actions have shown clearly that I have looked after the interests of the district in regard to this matter and this outburst on the part of the Mayor is quite uncalled for. I appreciate the remarks made by Mr McMurray. He at least, apparently realised that I have endeavoured to do my duty to the district. So far no harm has been done. The railway report has been merely received and further opportunities will come for me to voice the opinion of the district on this important question. Your correspondent, Mr P. L. Hollings, who has announced himself as my opponent at the coming general' election may or may not be taken seriously and anything lie writes must be heavily discounted for this reason.”

Mr Linklater’s explanation and his statements in the House should satisfy a reasonable local public that he is as anxious as any of his critics to forward this work of national importance and he may be depended upon to assist in every legitimate way its advocacy in and out of Parliament.

SIR JAMES WILSON’S OPINION Sir James Wilson, late president of the Levin-Marton Railway League, in conversation with our representative, expressed the opinion that it would be a waste of tune at this juncture to renew the agitation as the Minister’s mind was made up as to railway construction works for the immediate future. HON. ED. NEWMAN’S VIEWS. The Hon. Ed. Newman, M.L.C., who is keenly interested in the Mar-ton-Levin connecting link of the Main Trunk line, informed our representative that it wpuld be necessary to keep the agitation alive, although he saw no immediate prospect of the Government undertaking the work. He expressed opinion that nothing would be gained by criticising the Palmerston N. undertaking. “No matter what happens elsewhere,”/ he said, “the linking up of the Main Trunk line between Mar-ton and Levin must come. In order to hasten this, steps should be taken to interest the South Island in the proposal as well as the North, as quick passenger and mail transit is of paramount importance. Another point is that the railways will soon be in competition with improved road means of transit. Some

years ago, when Mr Hiley was general manager of railways, lie stated that the increase of railway traffic would necessitate the duplication of the line between Wellington and Palmerston N. In my opinion that time is not far distant, and the connecting link should then be included in that proposal. So far as Palmerston N. requirements are concerned there is no doubt that they will lie met and Palmerston on its part should lend its support to the Marton-Levin connecting link.” Mr Newman said he would he only too pleased to assist the League in any way possible as lie had done in the past.