Free rail cartage for hay promised

Press, 15 May 1985, Page 2

Free rail cartage for hay promised

Wellington reporter The Government announced yesterday that it would provide free rail transport for hay given by farmers to drought-stricken farms in South Canterbury and North Otago. Announcing the decision, the Minister of Railways, Mr Prebble, said that the Railways Corporation would not only haul at cost all hay given but would haul free the first 12,000 bales given from Southland to Timaru.

The Railways was also prepared to cart free further bales from other railheads in the South Island to Timaru, Mr Prebble said. He said the gesture matched the generosity of fanners in the South Island and Federated Fanners, who confidently believed they could give up to 100,000 bales, now transport was provided. “The gift by the Railways Corporation works out at about 60 waggons or two full trains. The action of the farmers of Southland is a fine example of New Zealanders co-operating to help other New Zealanders,” Mr Prebble said. “The Government believes that if farmers in the South Island are prepared to donate hay it is appropriate for the Government to ensure that the Railways can haul free any hay given. “As Minister of Railways I have advised the Railways Corporation that the Government will pick up the tab for the cost of hauling the remaining 90,000 bales of hay. “I am advised by Federated Farmers that the Railways Corporation and the Government’s action in providing free rail transport will result in many truck firms also donating the services of their trucks from the farms to the rail. I believe that the rural transport industry must be congratulated? '