Railway Cuts Attacked

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31774, 3 September 1968, Page 1

Railway Cuts Attacked

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 2.

A Labour Government would endeavour to popularise and increase the use of rail passenger services, rather than discontinue them as was the policy of the present Government, the Leader of the Ouoosition (Mr Kirk) said today.

The elimination of passenger services must lead to higher freight rates for goods, he said.

“Track maintenance and

other service costs remain the same but, in the absence of revenue from passenger services, have to be borne by freight revenue," he said. The Railways Department should be fostering passenger services; not abandoning them. Steps should be taken to rationalise timetables and upgrade facilities and services.

“The whole question of re. placement cars, fares, facilities, timetables and other improvements necessary to attract passengers should be urgently reviewed,” said Mr Kirk. Commenting on the Government’s decision to discontinue the Gisborne-Napier rail-car service in October and the phasing out of the Gisborne-Wellington run duri

Ing the next five years, Mr Kirk said a Labour Government would reinstate the service.

The cessation of that service was a backward step that was neither in the best interests of the Railways Department nor of New Zealand, he said. “If this initial curtailment is proceeded with it will make reinstatement more difficult later.

“But it should be reinstated and with a change of Government an immediate re-examination of the position will be Undertaken with a view to obtaining suitable cars to operate the service," said Mr Kirk. It was in the best interest of the district that the railcar service should continue.