RAILWAY WORKS IN TARANAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 October 1920, Page 4

RAILWAY WORKS IN TARANAKI.

The moat important railway construction work in the North Island—and probably in the whole Dominion—is that connected with the Stratford - Main Trunk line. The Minister of Public Works has been fully advised of the national character of this urgently-need-ed trunk communication, as deputations from both Auckland and Taranaki have spared no efforts to impress upon him the need for vigorously prosecuting the completion of the work, which will certainly be the moat remunerative portion of the railway service of the country. The line is one on wjiich the Department wns thoroughly justified in concentrating its resources at both ends, but if there was to be any discrimination all, then the Taranaki end called for the more favorable consideration, inasmuch as it is served by the nearest seaport, will open up immense coalfields, and facilitate settlement of highly productive land. Great disappointment will, therefore, be felt at the decision of the Minister to atop the work above Tahora and proceed with the work at the other end. The only reason given for this decision is that the work beyond Tahora is heavy, 'and settlement sparse, so that it would seem that the feeble policy of following the line of least resistance still clings to 'tlie department. It can only be eon'jectured that the real reason for the department .adopting this action —or inaction—is the desire to .make the Minister's new policy 'show the greatest possible results as far as progress is concerned, and obviously that could no,t be done except by making headway with the easier work and avoiding heavy construction. Gratifying as 'such progress may be to the Minister and the department, jt inflicts a grave injustice on Taranaki, for not until "the other lines are completed" will work be resumed beyond Tahora with "greater vigor." The question naturally arises as to why, as the difficult work must be tackled eventually, it is not taken in hand at once. Apparently the reason is that which we have given above, so it would seem the best interests of the Taranaki portion of the line are to be indefinitely ruled out 011 grounds that are not consonant with ; the true spirit of progress and development. Although the Minister may be acting on the advice of departmental officers, it will be felt lie has committed a grave error of judgment, and every effort should be made to obtain a reversal cf the decision arrived at, so that work may proceed with at least equal vigor at both ends of the line. With regard to the Opunake line, it appears that completion to llanaia is the goal aimed at for the present. The time has long since arrived when vigorous prosecution of this line should be witnessed, but there are no signs of the required expedition being 'in sight. This is much to be regretted, as the line will serve the richest district in the Dominion from a productive point of view. The Egmont quarry line is apparently to be held up until the department is satisfied its extension will pay, but possibly the proposed control anil maintenance of Lite main roads by the Government will have the desired effect in securing the completion of this line.