RAIL-CAR SERVICE

Grey River Argus, 27 September 1944, Page 4

RAIL-CAR SERVICE

PROGRESS LEAGUE PROPOSALS.

An investigation of the unsatisfactory system of railcar bookings was recommended by the Membership and Publicity Committee of the Westland District Progress League at a meeting of the Council last evening, together with a request 1 that the Railway Department run an extra railcar when necessary. The secretary, Mr J. Saunders advised that he had forwarded a cony Of the recommendation to the Stationmaster at Greymouth, from whom the following reply had been received: “The railcar for Christchurch caters not only for the public of Greymouth, but also for residents of .Westport, Nelson, Hokitika, Runanga and all other stations, on the West Coast, as well as South West- , land. In addition, passengers from the east coast holding return tickets have to be considered. The question of railcar bookings has been closely considered on different occasions, and the system evolved is the most satisfactory that can be arranged, taking into consideration the limited number of passengers which the railear can accommodate. Owing to war conditions the number of railcars available is not as great as the Department desires. Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain parts required for replacements for the I railcars which are at present operating on the West Coast. Conse- | quently the railcar position is difficult and the additional runirng of I these units must be curtailed for [ the time being.” A motion drawing the attention of the'Government to the serious-'short-age of railcar communication be tween Christchurch and Greymouth, and recommending that consideration be given after the war. to the establishment of an adequate ana complete service, was carried by the Council. A further motion that a steam train be run from Greymouth to Christchurch every Monday to connect with the northbound ferry that night, was objected to by members, who pointed out that such a. move opposed the Government’s policy ol conserving coal supplies, but after considerable discussion it was amended to read that some suitable facility, either railcar or steam train, be secured, and was carried