UP-TO-DATE SERVICE

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29021, 9 October 1959, Page 8 (Supplement)

UP-TO-DATE SERVICE

'T'HE introduction of diesel- ■*- electric locomotives by the railways has been one feature of the department's drive to keep its service up-to-date with modern trends. In the last year the 107 dieselelectric units travelled 22 percent. of the total miles run. Diesel and diesel-electric shunting locomotives are being steadily incorporated into the department’s fleet to speed up the marshalling and handling of goods traffic in the yards. The department's rail-air service between the South and North Islands is increasing and enables rapid and efficient movement of goods. From the farmer’s point of view, this has meant better dispatch of perishable produce and, frequently, a speeding up in the delivery of urgently-needed spare parts when these have not been obtainable locally.

The development of New Zealand farming largely followed the development of the railways. The arterial branching of the lines opened up new areas to more intensive settlement and production.

Even today the railways are still the basis of long-range internal transport, especially for heavy goods and farm produce. It will be a long time before any other form of transport entirely supersedes the railway.