COAST RAIL SERVICE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29702, 21 December 1961, Page 10

COAST RAIL SERVICE

New Time-table Announced To improve the railway goods service between Christchurch and Westport, the Railways Department has reorganised the timetable. It will operate from January 15. “It hoped the service will benefit all sections of industry and commeret," said the District Traffic Manager (Mr E. C. Brittenden), yesterday. The main service from Christchurch, Monday to Saturday, will leave at 1 pm, arrive at Reefton at 2.40 a.m. the next day, and arrive at Westport at 8.30 am. The service will not operate on Sundays. Leaving Westport at 12.1 pm. the train will arrive at Reefton at 3.20 p.m., at Stillwater at 6 pm_ and Christchurch at 6 am. the next day. The service will not operate on Sundays. To ensure the early arrival of perishable goods at stations from Ngahere to Westpart, and on the Seddonville branch line, acceptance of goods at Christchurch will be limited to 11.30 am. The limit was now 3.30 pm., Mr Brittenden said. Mr Brittenden said he urged the trading community on the route to impress on their Christchurch suppliers the necessity of delivering goods by the time limit. “It is felt that the earlier delivery of goods at Westport and points en route will be of real benefit to users,” he said. He urged Westport suppliers of perishable goods, including livestock, to use the 12.1 pm. service. It would mean having the goods in Christchurch ready for 8 am. delivery the next day. "Traffic for south of Christchurch will make a suitable connexion, and thus quick transport is assured,” Mir Brittenden said.