N.Z. RAILWAYS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10607, 4 June 1920, Page 6

N.Z. RAILWAYS

THE DEPARTMENTAL POLICY. STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC WORKS. FEB PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, June 3. Questioned to-day a 3 to what the future policy of his department would be in regard to railway construction, tho Hon. J. Gordon Coates said his idea was to push on with the completion of all main lines in acordance with their national importance. He could not say for the moment which wore the most important lines, nor 'would he make a public statement on the subject until he had drawn up his scheme, and placed it before Cabinet. It would bo for Cabinet to decide wbat course should bo followed. All he could do was to make his recommendations and if these were varied in any way then the Government would be responsible. Instead of constructing a whole lob of lines throughout the country his object was to lay down‘a well-de-fined system which would ensure tho speedy completion of any lines taken in hand. If. would be a suicidal policy to follow' the system adopted by previous Governments of starting lines ini every little nook and corner all oyer the country. His idea was that main lines should be the first consideration of his department and then others of less importance, comparatively, would follow. . / Mr Coates mentioned that the North Auckland Main Trunk line is to be pushed on with all speed, his idea being to get it completed as quickly as possible.