The Right Railway Policy

NZ Truth, Issue 1215, 14 March 1929, Page 6

The Right Railway Policy

Tliß ternis policy arid prosperity \are by, no means synonymous m political dictionaries. ;■: :■'■•■'•■'■ , v One often observes the. phrase ''It' would have been impolitic to do otherwise" m relations to the institution of some civic or national- utility. : \ . • ' . - ■ i In the instance of an arterial railroad link between Gisborne and Napier, however, necessity has been the dominant element. We have the unqualified assurance of the Prime Minister/that within sixty days,the ring of picks and shovels along; the route shall be the earnest of the Government's intentions. The significance of the matter, goes deeper, however. It shows that the present Government is cognisant of: the lessons learned by the promoters of railway systems elsewhere, t in' countries where, it has 1 definitely been shown that rail and 'motor transportation must, be interlocking. • Moreover, Sir Joseph Ward made ..it abundantly , clear . that the insidious practice of constructing railroads : as a sop : to- squealing local factions, would not be countenanced, a sentiment which, if carried into effect, is one that for long has been expressed by a platitude-ridden country, 'j f et never, achieved realisation. ■ . ' . . '