RAILWAY SERVICES

Grey River Argus, 15 January 1944, Page 5

RAILWAY SERVICES

To be Restricted IN THE SOUTH ISLAND. WELLINGTON, Jan. 14. The Minister of Railways, Hon. R. Semple, announced that a further review ha's been made of the coal position as affecting the railway service, and although there has been a partial resumption of work at the coal mines, it will be necessary to impose rail restrictions throughout the South Island, as from Monday January 17. The Minister appeals to people generally throughout the country to refrain from unnecessary travel at this juncture in order that normal . rail services throughout the Dominion mav be restored as soon as possible. The coal position so far as the railways are concerned in the North Island is somewhat better than in the South, and it is not proposed to introduce restrictions in the North Island in the meantime, but this may be necessary at a later date should the coal position deteriorate. EXPRESSES TO BE CURTAILED. P.A. WELLINGTON, Jan. 14 Tile Railway Department stated to-day that restrictions in the South Island on rail traffic, (as Hon. R. Semple stated to-day), would mean that permits would be required for journeys of fifty miles or more. The express services would be curtailed, there would be also some restriction on the carriage of certain commodities.