Minister Unhappy

However, the '60s seem to be outdoing the twenties, for today a proposal to build a new branch line can become not only a hot local issue, but a national one as well. In the absence of its leader (who used once to represent a seat in the Nelson district), the National Party has come out strongly against the line, and its stand has received wide publicity. Judging by the cynicism with which most of New Zealand (except Nelson) has greeted the Government plan, this may be a profitable move. The cost of the line will be great, and the Prime Minister has so far refused to give details of it. Some Labour members are unhappy about it. Among them is, of course, the Minister of Railways, Mr. Moohan, who has made a brave attempt to cut down his department's operating losses. He might as well give up if the Nelson line is to proceed. When asked how much tonnage the line could carry and if it would ever tecome self supporting, he merely referred the question to Mr. Nash. public dislike of the plan might easily halt Labour's slow climb back to popularity and nullify the effects of the goodies which Mr. Nordmeyer undoubtedly plans to dish out in this year's Budget.