Newspaper Comments.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 166, 30 January 1914, Page 4

Newspaper Comments.

Referring to the decision of the meeting at Waiuku, postponing the construction of the proposed lock at the Needles, our Auckland morning contemporary remarks that this is ore of the frequently recurring illustrations of ths need for an exhaustive report and inquiry on the canal possibilities of the Auckland Province. In October last the Prime Minister promised to submit to Cabinet with his personal recommendation a request fur the appointment of a Royal Commission of experts to collect information and advice on the construction and utilisation of inland waterways. Mr Massey added that he had not the slightest doubt that the icquest <*ould be granted. An early appointment of the Commission may therefore be looked for, and in view of the magnitude of the work it is not surprising that the Waiuku residents have decided to await its report befcre committirg themselves to the large expenditure involved in the construction of the lock. The selection of the members of the Commission calh for careful consideration on the part of the Government. Canal schemes have been discussed for many years; every Aucklander can see the need for them and can realise vaguely what they may do for the province. Ihe Commission, if it is to be of any value, must place the public in possession of information now beyond the reach of the layman which is essential to an intelligent decision on the subject. It must show, not only how engineering difficulties can be avoided, but how industry can be fostered and how the canals can be made a commercial success. Mr Massey has always shown a keen interest in the construction of inland waterways and the public can depend upon him placing this important investigation in thoroughly competent hands.