BRANCH RAILWAY LINES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27125, 22 August 1953, Page 8

BRANCH RAILWAY LINES

CLOSING OF FIVE RECOMMENDED “FURTHER EXPENDITURE UNJUSTIFIED ’’ (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 21. The closing down of several branch railway lines in whole or in part has been recommended by the Railways Commission to the Minister of Railways (Mr W. S. Goosman). Mr Goosman announced today that the lines affected by the recommendation are: Greytown branch, from Woodside to Greytown; Eyreton branch, from( Kaiapoi to Horrelville; Waimate branch, from Waimate to Waihao Downs: Outram branch, from Mosgiel to Outram; Hedgehope branch, from Browns to Hedgehope. Mr Goosman said the commission had based its recommendation on the conclusion that further operating expenditure on these branch lines was unjustified for two main reasons. The first, was that only a very small volume of rail traffic was offering m tue areas serviced by the lines, and the second that satisfactory road transport facilities existed in each of the districts.

The latest figures available supported the commission’s findings, said the Minister. ‘‘The figures make it clear that a substantial saving can be made by closing these lines. The staff now employed can be utilised to better advantage in other places. “The Government has considered the Railway Commission’s report, and I shall arrange to have on-the-spot discussions with local bodies and other interested parties on the lines.” Mr Goosman said he would be accompanied by members of the commission, and adequate notice of the meetings would be forwarded to those concerned.

The commission had also made some investigation into the working of other branch lines which were showing operational losses, but a more detailed study was required before any conclusions could be reached, Mr Goostman said.