RAILWAY EXTENSION

Opotiki News, Volume X, Issue 1050, 28 November 1947, Page 2

RAILWAY EXTENSION

BAY OF PLENTY—POVERTY BAY LINK WIDER ISSUES . CONSIDERED PRIME: -MINISTER’S REPLY OPOTIKI ‘ DISAPPOINTMENT “Whilst your Chamber is mainly concerned with the extension of tile rail from Tancatua to Opotiki, you will agree that at this juncture such a proposal must bo considered as part of the wider issue of a link with Poverty Bay. Whatever decision is made in regard to the latter must obviously take into consideration the needs of Opotiki,” stated . the Prime Minister, Hen. P. Fraser in.reply to a letter from the Opotiki Chamber of Commerce dated 27th August. The reply was made after discussing the question with the Minister of Works. Hon. R. Semple.

“In his public statements and in letters to various organisations in the Bay of Plenty' area and in Gisborne, Mr. Semple has pointed out that the whole question of rail and road transport between the Bay of Plenty area and Poverty Bay is being closely studied and that the most- economical and efficient transport system can only be devised after a full examination of all the factors in the light of the most modern development in. this field,” continued Mr. Fraser. “The Government is committed to improving existing facilities but cannot conic to a decision as to the most effective transport link until investigations now in hand are completed.

“I understand that these investigations involve an analysis of alternative rail routes to determine which warrants further detailed survey, and a thorough study of the possibilities of modern high-speed heavy road transport. Engineers are at present engaged on this latter aspect, which involves extensive enquiry into overseas practice and expericcne. Both these- lines of enquiry arc likely to take some little timeb lit they must be carried out thoroughly if they are to be of any value.

“The Government will not be in a position to consider the matter until sufficient information becomes available as to the actual route and the type of service to be provided,” stated the Prime Minister. “In any case it would be difficult, under present conditions, to undertake construction. 1 may add for your information that the only railway works in hand at the moment arc the Rimutaka Deviation and the Turakino-Okoia Deviation, and in both cases only a small number of men arc employed.”

When the matter came up for discussion at the monthly meeting of the Opotiki Chamber of Commerce last night, the v president, Mr. E. O. E'asl, said that Mr. (J. Gordon would recall Mr. Semple’s statement that he had never run away From a promise in. his life. Mr. East considered that the Government had'no intention of honouring its promise, and all that could be hoped for was a change of government iu 1019.

Mr. Gordon said that lie quite agreed with the president’s remarks. The attitude of the Government was nfost disappointing. Our representation in Parliament was the wrong colour to- get anything done for the Bay of Plenty. No reliance could be placed in the Government’s promises or pledges.

Mr. East: "Even the Wairara; people will be disappointed.”