RAILWAY ECONOMIES

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 August 1930, Page 5

RAILWAY ECONOMIES

SOUTH ISLAND LINES CLOSED. [PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, August 8. A further announcement regarding the closing of South Island branch railways, which previously had been indicated, but deferred, pending an investigation into the local representations, was made to-day by the Minister of Railways (Mr Veitch). “I have previously mentioned the Government’s intention to close down certain non-paying lines in the South Island,” said the Minister, “and, as a result, I have received numerous representations from the districts concerned urging that the existing train services should be maintained or alternatively, that a restricted service be run. These representations have been carefully considered, but, with the traffic returns and operating costs before me I can only conclude that heavy operating losses which are being borne by the consolidated revenue in respect to these lines, are out of all proportion to the volume

of traffic handled and the service given. In the absence of any guarantee to indemnify the Department against operating losses, it has been decided to close down these lines, as previously announced.” Questioned regarding the possibility of running restricted services, as an alternative to the complete closing Of the lines, the Minister declared that this would practically nullify the object aimed at, namely a definite curtailment in the operating losses. “Maintenance charges,” he added, “represent a large proportion of the cost of operating. From the point of view of safety in working, it is necessary to maintain the same standard of track maintenance whether a re-

stricted or a full service is run. The Minister said: “The line from Oxford West to Sheffield, that from Kurow to Hakataramea, that from Windsor to Tokarahi, and the Cape Foulwind branch line have already been closed. The Eyreton branch, the Mossburn branch, and the TuatapereOrawai extension will be closed on August 23. In' the case of certain other lines set down for closing, such as the Mt. Somers-Springburn line, the Heriot-Edievale liine, and the Wyndham-Glenham line, these will be closed as soon as the Departmental arrangements in the way of transfers of staff and plant can be made, and, of course, to reasonable notice being given through the Press to the settlers concerned. ' “Similarly in the North Island,” added the Minister, “it is the intention to close down the Greytown branch as soon as necessary arrangements are complete. The date of closing will be advised later, and a full opportunity jvill be .given the residents to clear any goods in transit. "Some additional economies,” he said, “are being considered in connection with other unprofitable lines, and the decision thereon will be made public in every case before action is taken.”