A WEST COAST RAILWAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1922, Page 4

A WEST COAST RAILWAY.

COSTING OVER A MILLION. WORK TO BE PUSHED ON. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, August 10. A deputation consisting of Messrs. McCallum, Atmore, Hudson, Holland and Seddon, also Canterbury and several Otago members, and all the representatives of nearly all the principal local bodies of Nelson ai\l some from the West Coast, waited on the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works to-day, and urged the accelerated completion of the railway gap between Glenhope and Inangahua Junction, especially in view of the Otira tunnel being finished next month. It was urged that the' work was one of national importance and would immensely increase the railway revenue and increase meat and timber industries. Mr. Coates replied that it was a question which were the most important public works to be carried out and the amount of money available. To complete the line would cost £1,300,000. The Inangahua railway and traffic bridge was becoming a question of urgency, and would cost between £30,000 and £35,000. Twenty huts for additional workers had been authorised for the Glenhope extension, and he would submit the recommendation to Cabinet when the public works - estimates were before Cabinet. Mr. Massey agreed thal? the work was of national importance from a commercial and strategical point of view. The job was a difficult one. but the line would be pushed on. If the unemployed could be utilised no doubt the Minister of Public Works would employ a number of them. The Inangahua traffic and railway bridge would have to be taken in hand soon. The Government would do their best with the means at their disposal.