NELSON'S NEEDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1919, Page 5

NELSON'S NEEDS.

LIGHT RAILWAYS AND PEEP SEA PORT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Nelson, May 23. A conference of .representatives of local bodies and producers' organisation of the province considered questions relating to the development of the district. It was decided to urge the Government to commence the construction of the Midland railway from Glenhope; to give Nelson representation in the Legislative Council, and remedy anomalies in the new electoral boundaries of Nelson, Motueka, and Marlborough. The conference affirmed the principle of there being one deep sea port for the province.

A long discussion took place on the question of the future of the fruit transit, and favored a comprehensive system of light railways to serve the ports of Mapua, Motueka, and NelsonCaptain Worley, New Zealand Engineers, who was in charge of the light railway construction for the New Zealand division on the western front, addressed a letter to the conference strongly advocating the system as the solution of the traffic problems of the district. Ho favored the 2ft. gauge, with steam or petrol engines for hauling; the speed being about eight miles an hour, thus enabling liens to be laid on the roadside without danger to ordinary traffic. The trucks used in France would carry about 4} tons of fruit, and the district could be railed in a few mantis, and the system would be far cheaper than the construction and maintenance of permanent roads. The conference decided to cable Mr. Massey asking him to purchase light way material for the district.