RAILWAY ANOMALIES

Evening Star, Issue 16409, 27 April 1917, Page 1

RAILWAY ANOMALIES

The following telegrams explain themselves;— “April 23, 1917. “ Minister Agriculture recently toured the country urging farmers to grow wheat, and offered to lend them traclom and plough;. Railways refuse t-o take our ploughs actually ordered by farmers to plough for wheat. Goods agent advises beer and spirits will bo accepted. Have seen wire from Hiley stating no restriction whatever in classes A. B, C, D. Our goods come under these headings, yet they are refused. Awaiting your instructions to goods agent, or wait close down. Beer not a national necessity, yet you carry it in preference to food-producing machinery. Copies sent to Allen, Hilcv! Minister of Agriculture, and Sir Jas. Wilson. —Reid axd Guay.” “ I am in receipt of your telegram of yesterday’s date re cariage of motor tractors and ploughs on railways. Am interviewing Minister of Railways in the matter, and will communicate with you again.—W. D. S. MacUo.valu.” “Your telegram received. I am consulting the Hon. Mr Hcrrics regarding your complaint, and will communicate with you again ialer.— J. Allen.” “Agricultural implements consigned direct to farmers will be conveyed by rail without restriction.—E. H. Hilly.” “Your Telegram yesterday duly received. Have come on to Wellington, where I have interviewed Minister Railways in connection substance your wire. Ho assures rao that anv of your ploughs which are actually ordered by farmers for wheat-growing will be forwarded without fail, but i Hat ploughs simply intended to increase stocks would have to be considered on (.heir merits. I presume he will communicate with you on subject; if lie ha.s not already done so . James G. Wilson-.”