MORNINGSIDE TUNNEL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 883, 29 January 1930, Page 10

MORNINGSIDE TUNNEL

ABANDONMENT OF SCHEME DEFENDED DECISION UNALTERABLE The Government's decision to abandon the Morningside tunnel deviation scheme is not to be altered, the Minister of Railways, the Hon. W. B. Taverner, told a deputation representing the Northern Suburban Railways and Highways League yesterday, when he defended Cabinet’s decision. The spokesmen, Messrs. C. H. Spinley and H. A. Robertson, stated that the action caused a great shock to the community. It was stated that, had it been known earlier that the tunnel scheme was not to be proceeded with, serious objections to the erection of the new railway station on the present site would have been raised. The Minister claimed that the decision had been made following upon many months of serious expert study. He explained that, while he was criticised for not making a statement, the delay was due to his not having all the facts. He pointed out that after a representative deputation had directed his attention to the subject he had undertaken to make a full investigation of all the facts. The Minister added that he would gladly clarify any portion of his statement that was not plain, and would supply any information the deputation considered should be available. He accepted full responsibility on behalf of the Government for the announcement, and he was prepared to consider any legitimate arguments. Considerations of North v. South did not enter into the question, he said. Members of the Glen Eden Town Board criticised the Government’s decision at the meeting on Monday evening. The chairman, Mr. W. C. Martin, said that as the progress of the district depended largely on the inauguration of the tunnel scheme its abandonment was viewed with alarm. He expressed the hope the. issue would not be allowed to rest.