“POLITICAL ACTION.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2887, 23 May 1925, Page 3

“POLITICAL ACTION.”

NOT FOR THE BOROUGH COUNCIL. THE LEVIN-MARTON RAILWAY LINK. At the last meeting of the Levin-Foxton-Marton Railway League a motion was brought, forward by the president, Mr Chrystall, seeking to bring political pressure to bear in the futherance of the League’s objective, (says the Chronicle). The delegates, as representing various local bodies considered 'they needed the authority of their councils before giving their support to such a proposal, and accordingly the .matter .was submitted to each local body for an opinion. The motion, which came before the Levin Borough Council on Tuesday, was as follows: — “That this League is deeply disappointed to learn that it is the intention of the Government to waste a large sum of money at Palmerston North, in constructing a deviation line of railway. Also, the League considers that the British Railway Commissioners did not have sufficient time at their disposal to examine the merits of the Levin-Foxton-Marl on Link Line, and respectfully requests that this proposition be analysed by the Public Works Department and Railway Board, as simplifying the speedingup process of travelling, by a saving of 19 miles and examined also from an economic point of view. Further, the League regrets that it does not possess any direct representation in Parliament from the Manawatu district, to oppose the contemplated waste of money at Palmerston North, and is impressed with the necessity of finding’ another candidate, who if successful will, in Parliament, take a statesmanlike view of this matter as being of national importance, thereby endeavouring to secure justice to the people.” The Mayor did not think political action was for local bodies to take up, but considered tho latter part of the motion relating to political action, should not be discussed, and that it should be cut out.

Cr. McAllister: That is honest anyway, because you will be voting for your own politics no matter what happens. The later part of the motion was cut out and the word “waste” was altered to “unjustifiably expend.” In this form the Council agreed to the proposed motion.