'Rejuvenation' of railways

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33155, 20 February 1973, Page 2

'Rejuvenation' of railways

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 19. The development of alternative modes of transport was affecting the profitability of railways freight and passenger services, and demands made on the railways for services had changed with economics, said the Minister of Railways (Mr McGuigan) today.

In an opening address at, te Australian and New Zea-

land Railway Commissioners’ conference, he told members that the railways, however, had been going through a “period of rejuvenation.” There had been technological innovations in motive power, freight handling, and train control—in virtually’ all phases of railway activities. “There has also been a determination to implement a wide range of modern management skills and practices, which have enabled the railways to maintain their rele-j vance in a rapidly changing (world,” he said. Railway’s in both Australia and New Zealand represen- ( ted a massive public invest-, ment in fixed assets, he said. In both countries they had ' I made significant contributions. socially and economic-! ally. ' “We are determined in , New Zealand, and I am sure the same is true in Austra1 lia, that not only this capital investment, but the wealth! of knowledge and experience in transport that is embodied in railways, will be used effii ciently and effectively in the, ■ future to promote the bal- ■ anced development of the I community,” said Mr McGuiigan. i