RAIL SERVICES

Evening Star, Issue 25083, 26 January 1944, Page 4

RAIL SERVICES

RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED TO NORTH ISLAND GOAL SHORTAGE STILL ACUTE (P.A.) WELLINGTON. January 25. it was announced to-night by the Minister* of Railways, Mr R. Semple, that in view of the serious position which had arisen through the depletion of railway coal stocks during the holiday period, the fall in the production of coal from the mines, and bar trouble on the West Coast, it would be necessary to impose severe restrictions oh the railway services, both passenger and goods, in the North Island from Monday next. The Minister pointed out that practically no coa] was produced during the holiday period, and consequently there had been a big drain on the stocks held by the Railway Department at its various depots. Even at present it was necessary to transfer coal from depot to depot in order to keep the service running. The position had become serious, and he considered it advisable to make it known to the public in order to reduce inconvenience and hardship jo a minimum. The Minister added that the system of issuing permits-for passenger travel and the restrictions on non-perishable goods traffic which were put in operation in September, 1942,.w0u1d be reimposed and would apply to the North Island, The system would be similar to that now in' operation in the South Island.

It was with great regret, the Minister concluded, that the decision to restrict services had been arrived at, but this action was absolutely necessary in order that the essential transport work of the country could be carried on during the present coal shortage.