"WE INSIST."

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 164, 11 July 1919, Page 5

"WE INSIST."

PROTEST AGAINST KAH/WAX! ■fcj} CXTT. ;fji! reply. *, The Auckland Industrial Association made a protest against the railway cut last week, and now the Minister of Railways lias replied. He says:—-'Every effort ie being made by the Government to overcome the coal shortage difficulty. The curtailed railway services were not brought into force until the very last moment, after all means ot obtaining ; coal supplies had been exhausted. It is) ' therefore, necessary that the present cut 6ervices be rigorously adhered to. Otherwise, in view of the little coal in hand and insight it will be necessary to make further retrenchment to the utmost limits the means at the disposal of the Department wift permit. Everything ia being done to meet the requirements of customers, and still further will be pursued." The association is not satisfied witlt this, and it has sent a further wire in* sisting on the reinstatement o" reason* able facilities. The text of the reply is:—'"The association regrets that your telegram is most unsatisfactory. Has the Governmei-t determined by any means to secure an increased output of coal? We contend that the function of the Government is to ascertain the need and to supply the same. We insist oa the withdrawal of all Tecent restrictions, and the reinstatement of reasonably transit facilities."

RAILWAYS AND COAT* The following resolutions re railway service were duly adopted by the Auckland Timber Workers' Union: "That in view of the fact that the present curtailment of the railway service is seriously affecting the sawmilling industry, this union is of opinion that •those responsible for such drastic action should be severely censured." That such curtailment of the railway service is unwarranted, and not in the interest of the community." "That this union demand and urge all other organisations to demand that the regular service be reinstated, that if such is not complied ■with country sawmills will have to close down, and a large number of -workers thrown out of employment." Another one refers to the coal shortage.. It is:—■ "That the action of the Wellington Waterside Workers' Union in refusing to •handle coal for transport abroad -when their fellow workers were in absolute need of same be approved; further, it is pleasing to note that*he failure of the Government to protect the interest:, of the community cannot*e applied to £h» waterside workers/ , _j, CARING FOR TRAVELLERS. TAUMARTHSrUTS GOOD WORK. , (By Telegraph..—Special to "ijtar.") TAUMAB.UNUI, this day.'"' (Last night there were 320 through passengers, all of whom were comfortably accommodated. Yesterday's "Star" contained a misprint. The number of passengers stated to be accommodated (175) should have read 475. To-night's traffic is expected to be much heavier, judging by the number of wires for beds, which continue still to come in. Something •definite in the chape of organised assistance of private people willing to take in travellers is now shaping up, and extra rush traffic will in future be satisfactorily met. - Wednesday night was remarkable for the number of women and children aboard both trains. Hotelkeepers report a commendable spirit between travellers who are entire strangers to one another, and great consideration is being displayed. As the position now stands, so far as the Taumarumii stopover is concerned the .public need have no misgivings in starting out upon their journey, as no other town along , the Main Trunk line could , cope with such extraordinary demands for extra hotel accommodation as can Taumarunui. Special permits were obtained last week for ample supplies of beds and bedding to be railed from Auckland and Wellington. Most of this ie now in use, and the feeding of this large number of hungry and cold travellers is carried out in a splendid manner. The hotel staffs are most loyally bearing the extra burden, and as things adjust themselves more and more travellers can be' put up. A etroy published in certain papers that people have been left without shelter i§ "without foundation. ■