THE PALMERSTON NORTH RAILWAY TRAFFIC.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 245, 14 September 1929, Page 2

THE PALMERSTON NORTH RAILWAY TRAFFIC.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Ro tho statements recently submitted to the Chamber of Commerce in reference to the passenger traffic and goods business handled at Palmerston North station. It seems very strange that 1921 is the only year brought forward for comparison and it would be to Palmerston North’s interest if each, year from 1920 to 1928 were shown. Perhaps there is a reason for keeping to the one year 1921. When comparisons of this class of business are made, then it is only business to work out several years’ figures and so compare in a satisfactory manner. There is another important matter that has so far been overlooked by the present Government, and that is tho position Palmerston North will be placed in when the East Coast line is completed, a period of another five years. This line will run from Alotuhoro, 68 miles north of Gisborne, right through Palmerston North to Wellington. Palmerston North- must carry the burden, for tho Rimutaka line would be too expensive for goods traffic. "When the present Government consider the East Coast traffic, passenger and goods, the present congested station and yards, and tho natural increase of the town of Palmerston North, they will realise the great mistake they made when cutting out tire Palmerston North railway deviation. It will show the people of this town and the taxpayers of the country that their action was a political move, not a business one.

It rests now with the Chamber of Commerce and the business men of this town, to exert themselves and get this great injustice to Palmerston North put right. Work for the workers and prosperity for the town will follow. —I am, etc., WORKER.