RIMUTAKA DEVIATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 June 1938, Page 6

RIMUTAKA DEVIATION

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Is there to be no discussion on the economic advantages and disadvantages of the proposed Rimutaka tunnel? According to your report of the welcome of the Prime Minister to Masterton, we had the curious spectacle of the Mayor of Masterton offering to give Mr Savage the name and address of someone who apparently disagreed with him, With the Prime Minister’s known views on whispering campaigns, such conduct before a large audience was regrettable.

The deputation to the Prime Minister concerning the Rimutaka link between our district and its seaport took place on May 28, 1936. Mr Duncan McGregor put the view of the Wairarapa Executive of the Farmers’ Union thus: “This executive will support proposals for the economic improvement of the Wellington-Wairarapa railway service based on the principle of cheaper transport and provided we had a definite assurance that no penal freight rates will result therefrom.” Mr Jordan and I were also members of the deputation. The investigation and report promised have not been given, nor assurances asked for regarding increased debt and dearer transport. Mi- Semple was also present and from his energetic utterances it was thought his Department would take the matter of report and investigation in hand immediately.

My personal view is that, if the tunnel is to go through under present conditions, the location of the tunnel is an excellent one. But up-to-date investigation and report, with the ensuing discussion before the work started, would probably show that, in view of the development of motor transport in this district, better service could be given by making a tunnel large enough to take motor transport also. May I commend the idea to the Prime Minister, hoping that Mr Semple will show alternative costs of this scheme when his report is finally brought down?. I am, etc, L. T. DANIELL.