LYTTELTON NEWS

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27750, 30 August 1955, Page 8

LYTTELTON NEWS

RAILWAY FARES TO CHRISTCHURCH MINISTER REPLIES TO PROTEST The Minister of Railways (Mr J. K. McAlpine*, in a letter to the Lyttelton Borough Council last night, replied to a protest from the council at the decision to raise fares on the LytteltonChristchurch line. The position was that the pending •Iterations to the Lyttelton-Christ-church fares were necessary because of the proposed early introduction of a zone fare system in the Christchurch suburban area, said Mr McAlpine. The division of the area into zones would result in a reduction of the number of tickets stocked and a saving in accountancy work. The second class single fare would be reduced from Js 2d to Is and the return fare increased from Is lOd to 2s. There would be no alreration in the cost of six-trip, weekly, or season tickets. The zone system of fares was already being operated in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin.

The Minister also replied to a complaint by the council about the state of the waiting room at the Lyttelton station. He said a fire was provided in the waiting room in the winter and the practice was being continued. New’ linoleum and cushions would shortly be provided for the room. The council decided to thank the Minister for the interest he has taken in the Lyttelton railway service and f °r the improvements made. The Lyttelton Sports * Ground* Amenities Committee was granted permission ro hold a Rugby match on the new sports grounds on September H. A collection will be taken to raise funds for a pavilion. • c . ou, ?F il agreed to make a grant to toe Lyttelton sea scouts towards the cost of sending one to the jamboree to be held in Australia in January.