PALMERSTON STATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1921, Page 5

PALMERSTON STATION.

THE DEVIATION PROPOSAL. SCHEME TO COST £600,000. By Telearanh.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The inquiry into the railway facilities at Palmerston North was continued today, when evidence in support of the department’s proposals was called. Mr. F. W. Mac Lean, chief engineer, said the conditions had been causing concern fpr many years, and were increasing as time went on. Irrespective of any deviation of the trunk line, seme alterations were essential, as the conditions were chaotic. He put in plans of various schemes proposed, and said that if Cook Street were closed the case would not be met. He was convinced a solution could not be secured with the station in its present position. The scheme he recommended was a deviation from Longburn, around the western side of the borough, to some distance beyond Terrace End. Alterations to the existing station and yards would cost £400,000, without ensuring that the present position would not arise in future. The sum mentioned did not include compensation. The deviation scheme, with compensation, would cost £600.000. From every point of view the deviation scheme was the best. It could be completed in four years with the use of up-to-date appliances. The general manager (Mr. MeVilly) said the position at Palmerston was so serious that unless it was tackled in earnest almost immediately, the department would be unable in the very near future to carry on its business satisfactorily. The commission meets at Palmerston on Wednesday.