Australia 1934. Eastern Suburbs Railway.

 From the Kearney Files.

Open letter from the Editor of the Bondi Daily to the Premier.

13th October 1934.

The Eastern Suburbs Railway.

Dear Sir 

A few days ago we published a small paragraph telling our readers that British capital to the extent of overdid million pounds was undoubtedly available for the immediate commencement of the construction of the Eastern Suburbs Railway. Since then we have been inundated with letters requesting us to bring directly under your notice the vital necessity of closing with the Kearney Company for this undertaking.

We have perused letters and cablegrams received from London by this company, establishing beyond all shadow of doubt that the money is actually available.

We have also read a letter from yourself to the company, in which you expressed yourself as not opposed to the scheme. It is smarter of vital importance , vital in more ways than one. Why do you delay in at least making some kind of statement in the house, either for or against the proposition? Surely the public is entitled to know what the Cabinet thinks -- you are but the peoples statements after all, elected to Parliament to do the best you can in the country's interests.

If the proposal is not for the public welfare will you say so but don't sit on a rail and earn a reputation like the late Sir George Reid wound found himself when he was known as " Mr. Yes - No - Reid". We want Statesmen to Rule us - not vascilliating politicians who have no "Guts" to take a stand and give reasons for that stand. Time is fleeting and we boast that Australia is the first country to recover from the depression, you can have it in your power. 

Sir, to become, not a politician but a statesman. Will you ignore this letter or will you rise to the occasion and immediately make a statement in the house, as to what you think of the proposition and what chance there is of accepting this six million pounds of British Capital, thereby finding work for several thousand of our people for several years to come?

Your respectfully,

Sydney D. Smith 

(The Editor and Proprietor).