WORK TO STOP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 142, 16 May 1940, Page 13

WORK TO STOP.

PAEROA-POKENO LINE. DURATION OF AVAR. Per Press Association AVELLINGTON, May 15. “After giving very careful consideration to the matter, the Government has decided to suspend construction operations on the Paeroa-Pokeno railway for the duration of the war,” said the Minister of Public Works (Hon. It. Semple). this evening. “Several factors entered into the question, the primary one being the need of conserving finance for the effective prosecution of the war effort.” Air Semple said the temporary stopping of this work would release a large number of plant units for work on landclearing and other work of more immediate productive value. The use of existing plant on this work would also obviate the use of overseas funds for the purchase of new plant. In addition to the release of plant, the suspension of the construction work would also conserve sterling funds which would he required for the purchase of materials, such as rails and bridge steel. “Only about 20 men are employed on this railway at present,” said Mr Semple. “A good number of .the workmen are married men, and it is honed to find employment for these on other works in the district. A sufficient number, of course, will he retained to provide adequate maintenance of the work already completed.”