N.Z. RAILWAYS EQUIPMENT

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27992, 12 June 1956, Page 12

N.Z. RAILWAYS EQUIPMENT

MARKET INSPECTION IN AUSTRALIA MR MCALPINE LEAVES FOR SHORT VISIT The Minister of Railways (Mr J, K. McAlpine) left Christchurch yesterday by air for Australia where he will spend nearly two weeks discussing with Commonwealth authorities the requirements of the New Zealand railways. The Minister s visit is a result of the recent reciprocal trade agreement between the Dominion and Australia. "I want to have a look at the Australian railways and the productive potential of Australian manufacturers to suplpy New Zealand's needs m the ; way of railway equipment.’’ Mr McAlpine said yesterday before embarking on the airliner at Harewood. “Some Vb type of waggons are now being built for us over there and I feel *we should have a look to see what other type of rolling stock is available.’’ , , , Mr McAlpine said he had made a special point of departing for Australia from his home city as he* had a particular interest in Harewood as an overseas airport. Since he had fired the Very pistol to send the first flight on its way to Melbourne he had been watching with keen interest the development of the Tasman service and it was appropriate that he should travel from Wellington to catch the aircraft m Christchurch in preference to going to Auckland and flying from there. . While in Australia, Mr McAlpine will inspect the Snowy river hydroelectric project.