Railways being ‘streamlined ’

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33034, 29 September 1972, Page 3

Railways being ‘streamlined ’

(N.Z. Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Sept. 28.

The Government had been closing railway stations at the rate of two a week, sometimes three a week, the Minister of Railways (Mr Gordon) said today. These were small “flag stations” which used to service a group of farmers who used a horse and dray or a buggy to meet the train as their only means of communication in the early stages of the century, he told a National Party luncheon in Auckland.

Today these stations were unused, and the sidings—particularly the points where the siding intersected with the main track—were very costly to maintain.

“The reduction in the number of flag stations, and occasionally even a manned station, means further relaxation for the road transport industry,” Mr Gordon said. “At the same time it streamlines the railways in its freighting business towards its ultimate and major objective, long haulage of bulk tonnages.”

The Minister told his audience he had the doubtful distinction of closing more branch lines than any other Minister.

“I’ve been roundly and soundly criticised for it,” he said. “The great train robber, I’ve been called. Ronald Biggs can’t get a look in.”

The Government had closed eight branch lines since August, 1967, he said.