BRANCH LINES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 280, 26 November 1931, Page 3

BRANCH LINES.

RAILWAY LOSSES.

APPEAL TOR. SUPPORT

EXPLANATION TO BUSINESS MEN

"The Railways Board wishes it made known in the various districts served by branch lines and isolated sections that the people should accord the lines their full patronage, as it is only by so doing that they can expect the working of the lines to be continued," said Mr. A. W. Wellsted, commercial agent for New Zealand Railways, at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce this morning. "The question of whether a railway will be closed lies with the people themselves/' he continued. "It is quite apparent that if the people do not use the lines they are not needed." Branch lines in the Auckland province affected by the warning issued by the Railways Board were Kaikohe, Kirikoponui, Waiuku end Taneatua. The Chamber of Commerce was vitally concerned in the question of whether those lines were to be closed. Mr. Wellsted referred to the lines in detail. Last year the Kaikolie branch had shown a net loss of £4446, while the loss including interest was £19,800. Losses on the other branches last year were as follow:—Kirikopuni, net loss £7046, loss including interest £49,448; Waiuku £4911 and £11,50S; Taneatua £33,465 and £153,529. The position summarised was that four branch lines in the Auckland province showed a net loss on working of £44,231, while the loss, including interest, was £234,285. The Railways Board, before making a final decision, had decided to place the issues before the trading, farming and general community. If full use were made of the rail facilities in the areas served by the branch lines the position would be matei*ially improved, but in many instances the public preferred to use some other form of transport. The lines referred to were built as the result of agitation by not only the people in the areas served, but by the business community of Auckland. The issue was clear cut. The public could, by their loyal and whole-hearted support of the national transport system, retain the undoubted benefits of the railways. "The onus is on the people served by the line and benefiting by its continuance as a railway," concluded Mr. Wellsted. "In view of the far reaching consequences involved, I would urge on the business community the necessity of doing all in their power to assist the board in increasing the traffic on these and all other lines." The matter was referred to the Transport and Communications Committee, which meeting Mr. Wellsted wil] be asked to attend.