ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAYS

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 20, 18 October 1944, Page 8

ELECTRIFICATION OF RAILWAYS

Extension Planned HUTT LINE INCLUDED

'The electrification of suburban lines and the introduction of gas-turbine locomotives to make the railways less dependent on coal were urged by Opposition speakers when the estimates for the Kailways Department were discussed m tne Mouse yesterday.., .. Air. Sutherland (Opposition, Hauraki) suggested that the chief mechanical engineer of the Railways Department be sent to America to study developments in gas-turbine locomotives, which, he said, appeared to be the coming thing in that country. He also asked that the Minister of Railways go seriously into the question of elecrifying the Auckland suburban lines and investigate the possibility ot extending electrification down to the »»aikilJlr. Bowden (Opposition. Wellington West) expressed the hope that the Wellington to Upper Hutt line would be electrified for cleanliness and flexibility and to render the railways less dependnet on coal. He also urged that diesel trains and gas-turbine locomotives be investigated for the same reasons as elecriflcation. Replying, the Minister of Mr. Semple, eaid the department had been tn"aged for several months on a five-year plan of development, including elecrifieation. A thorough investigation had been made throughout the country. The conversion of the Hutt line to electric traction, the greater use of railcars and the provision of a diesel train were included in the plan. “We are going to. try to relieve the eoal position as far as we possibly can by electrification,” said air. k ' Mr. Lowry (Government. Otaki) said be hoped the line between Wellington and Otakj would be electrified and. a duplicate track laid for the whole distance. Replying to Mr. Mackley (Opposition, Masterton), the Minister said that in the five-year plan there was a proposal for the easement of grades and curves. The Rimutaka tunnel was one of the post-war projects, and the survey of it. which had been interrupted by the war, would be resumed when circumstances permitted.