BRANCH RAILWAYS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11280, 9 August 1930, Page 6

BRANCH RAILWAYS

-NON:?p;iNG HEINES' TO CLOSE; dttARANTEES -FAIL TQ MATERI-t ALTSE.

RESTRICTED SERVICES WOULD -•; y NOT SAVE MONEY.

fPreaa Association.)

'G ; • ' WELLINGTON, --Aug. 8: .. iA further announcement; regarding fftij/closihg. of the South Island branch of:, the railways, which was previous-ly-indicated ••but deforred .pending inyestigption into- local representations, wt*.V made' to-day by the • Minister- of Rail ways (the. lion. AY. A. Veitch). 'S-. n l 'have* previously -mentioned the Government;s. intention, to close down certain lines in the South Island,” said the .Minister, ‘-and as a result,',!' received numerous represenfrom- the' districts concerned, urging thaii-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 the Heavy . operating losses are being borne by'the Consolidated Fund. The revenues ;in respecd of these lines are out'.of. all. proportion to. the volume of traffic handled and the service giv r eh. ”In, the absence of any. guarantees' ihdemnifying the Department again,stjioperating losses it has been decided do close down these lines as previously announced/’ ' «. •/. • Questioned regarding the possibility of-funning restricted services', as ah alternative to the complete closing of the lines, the Minister declared’that th|s would ■ practically nullify the object" aimed at, namely, a definite curtailment in operation losses. -! :,I The .';maintenance ■: charges,” lie added,-, “represent a large proportion of/the cost of -operating. •' From the point of view of safety in working, it is J necessary to maintain the same standard track "maintenance, whether a, restricted or a full service is run. , “The lines from Oxford West to Sheffield, Kurow. to Hnkataramea, Windsor to-Takarahi, and the Capo Fold'wind hr aft eh have already been closed.. The Eyreton, branch, Mossluith ‘branch, .and Tnatapere-Ara-wia extension will he closed on August -23.

'.‘ln. tho. ease of certain other lines set down for closing, such as the Mt.V So-mers-Springburn, Heriot-Edie-v.ale and ’. AYyndham-Glenhan lines, these will be closed soon as depart-ipentr-1' arrangements in the way of transfers of staff and plant can be made, and subject, of course, to reasonable notice being given through the press to the settlers concerned. ./''Similarly in the North Island.” a_dded the Minister, “it is the intention: to clqsc down . the Grey town branch as ’ soon as, the necessary arrangements are complete. The date of: ‘closing will, he advised later and full opportunity will-be .given to residents to clear any goods ’in transit. “Some additional economies are being considered in connection with ot-h- - lines/’, sa.id the Minister in conclusion, “and decisions thdreon will he made public in every case before action is taken.”