THE DEVIATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 177, 28 June 1937, Page 6

THE DEVIATION

INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER. AWAITING CABINET MEETING. Interview'ed by the “Standard” wlieu he passed through Palmerston North on his way to Napier to-day, the Minister of Railways (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) ! indicated that the departmental reports on the present railway accommodation facilities at Palmerston North and those possible at the deviation site have now been completed. The Minister said he was now limiting for a full meeting of Cabinet, when the matter will be discussed. “We noAv have the reports,” the Minister said when asked if Cabinet ivas awaiting the return of the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) from England before reaching a decision on the matter. “I want a full Cabinet meeting, and when the time comes the subject ivili be discussed.” When invited to give an indication of the possible date of consideration being gtA'cn to the shifting of the railivay to Milson or not, the Minister said he could not do that at present. Prior to the opening of the session there ivould he many matters calling for the attention of Cabinet. “This is one of the big things we have to discuss,” said the Miniser. “and I would not like, just at the moment, to say when we will be considering those reports.” It ivili be recalled that when the Minister visited Palmerston North some time ago and inspected the deviation site and the present station and yards he said lie ivould he calling for full reports oil the subject from departmental experts. He also indicated then that due weight ivould be gii'en those reports when the Government was making a decision. THE MOHAIvA VIADUCT. From Palmerston North, where the rail-car in which the party ivas travelling stayed only a few minutes, the Minister proceeded to Woodville. Lunch ivas partaken of there and the journey continued. At Napier the Minister has business to transact to-morrow - , and the next day ivili proceed to Moliaka and Wairoa. The Minister of Public Works (Hon. R. Semple) ivili drive the last spike in the Moliaka viaduct on that day. The East Coast line ivili. then be linked Aip officially ivith Wairoa, though it will not be open to scheduled traffic as there ivili still be some work to he carried out by the Public Works Department. The Minister ivili visit Gisborne before returning to Wellington via Hawke’s Bay and the Wairarapa. The General Manager of Railways. Mr G. H. Mackley, accompanied the Minister on his ivav north this morning, and there was also with him, besides immediate Ministerial officials, the Secretary of the Industries and Commerce, Tourist and Publicity Department, Mr L. J. Schmitt.

The Minister was met at the station by Mr J. Hodgens, M.P.. and had a feiv minutes’ conversation with him prior to the continuation of the journey.