BRANCH RAILWAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 186, 8 August 1930, Page 8

BRANCH RAILWAYS.

SOME ALREADY CLOSED.

OTHERS UNDER SENTENCE

GUARANTEES IMPRACTICABLE

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.)

WELLINGTON, Thursday.

A further announcement regarding the closing of the South Island branch railways, previously decided, but deferred pending . investigation into local representations, was made to the "Star" correspondent ' by the Minister of Railways, - tho Hon. W. A. Veitcli. ""I have previously mentioned the Government's intention to close down certain-non-paying lines, in the South Island," said the Minister, "and as the result I received numerous , representations from the districts concerned, urging.";that existing train services be maintained, or, alternatively, that a restricted service be run. These representations; have been carefully considered,'but with'the traffic, returns and operating costs before me I can only conclude that ' the. heavy s operating losses being borne by the Consolidated Revenue in respect of these lines are out of all proportion to the volume of traffic handled and the service given. "In the absence of any guarantees' indemnifying the Department against operating losses, it has been decided to close down .these lines, as previously announced." Restricted Services Impracticable. Questioned regarding the possibility of running restricted services, as an alternative to the complete closing of the lines, the Minister declared that this would practically nullify the object aimed at, namely, a definite curtailment in operating losses. "Maintenance charges," he added, "represent a large proportion of the cost of operating. From the point of view of safety in working, it is necessary to maintain the standard of track maintenance, whether a restricted or a full service is run. "The Oxford West to Sheffield, Kurow to Hakataramea, Windsor to Tokarahi, audi Cape Foulwind lines have already been closed. The Eyreton and Mossburn branches and the Tuatapere-Orawia extension will be closed on August 23.

"Certain other lines set down ; ■_ f° r closing, sucli as Mount Somers-Spring-burn, the Heriot-Edievale and . Wynd-ham-Glenham lines, will be -closed as soon as Departmental arrangements; in tlie way of transfers of staff and''plant can be made, and subject, of' course|. to reasonable notice being given , through the Press to the settlers concerned. A North Island Branch. "Similarly in the North-. Island," added the Minister, "it is; the intention to close down the Grey town •.branch'..'as soon as the necessary arrangements 1 are complete. The date of closing will* be advised later and full opportunity will be given residents to clear ■ any goods in transit. Some additional economies are being considered in connection iwith other unprofitable lines, •.'aM:;the decisions thereon will be .made, public in every case before action is'-taken;"-;