RAILWAY SERVICE CUT

Evening Star, Issue 17731, 4 August 1921, Page 8

RAILWAY SERVICE CUT

THROUGH EXPRESS THRICE WEEKLY. SUBURBAN TRAINS CURTAILED. [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August A An important announcement of a somewhat drastic cut, especially in the branch lines and suburban railway services, was .made by the Hon. D. 11. Guthrie, Acting Minister of Railways. Tho cut commences on August 14, and lasts till the end of November unless meanwhile the traffic greatly improves. “ In view of the high rate ol expenditure and the fact that railway traffic, which lias been declining since April, gives no sign of materially improving, it has been decided,” said the Minister, “ that a curtailment of train services bus become a matter of necessity. Adjustments of the times of trains xvill probably require to be made,” added the Minister, “ and full details will ho notified by advertisement.” For tho three railway periods (ended June 25) increased revenue on tho Whangarci section amounted to £3,028, and increased expenditure to £5,303. On the Smith Island Main Trunk lines the increased revenue wins the increased expenditure to £188.736; on the North Island Main Trunk hues tho increased revenue was £116,554, and tho increased expenditure £293,090. Tho percentage of working expenses to revenue in the North Island was 91.34, against 69.37 for the corresponding period of last year; in tho South Island the percentage was 104.60, against 78.33. The total increased revenue to date for all lines for three mouthsxvas £1,658,683, and the total expenditure £1,604,657 ; tho working expenses being 96.74 per cent, of revenue, against 73.21 last year. SOUTH ISLAND ALTERATIONS.

Tho principal South Island alteration is that the second express between Christchurch and Invercargill is to run for three days per week only, but many changes are made in tho South Island branch lines and suburban services. The principal of these as they affect Otago arc as under;— Dniicdin-Port Chalmers: 10.16 p.m. train to run on Saturdays only; the 11.15 p.m. train to run on Wednesdays and Saturdays instead of daily; the morning trains on Sundays to be cut out.

Duncdin-Alosgiel: Late trains to ho cut out on Wednesdays, and the 9.25 a.m. and 10.-10 a.m. trains to be cancelled.

Lawrence - Beaumont - Milton : 12.10 p.m., 2.5 p.m., and 7.30 p.m. trains to bo cut out on Mondays and Thursdays.