TRAIN SERVICES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18143, 8 July 1919, Page 5

TRAIN SERVICES.

BOOT FREIGHT RESTRICTIONS

AN AUCKLAND PROTEST.

[Pun Press Association.] AUCKLAND, July 7. The fact that tho Railway Department is refusing to carry boots and shoes as freight during the restriction period was discussed at a meting of tho Board of Control of the Boot Industry, Comprising manufacturers and operatives. The' chnirmnn explained the position, stating that in a very short period boot factories would have to close-down should the Department’s policy bo c'ontinned. Other manufacturers present spoke in a similar strain. Mr Watts, secretary to the Boot and Shoe Operatives’ Union, strongly urged members of Parliament to do all in their power to procure relief for thetrade- In this connection he said it was absurd that largo privately owned utilities could obtain all the coal they required, while tho State-owned railways were hampered through lack of it. Sir Frederick Lang expressed sympathy with the trade in regard to the disabilities quoted. At his suggestion a telegram signed by himself and other members of Parliament present was drafted for dispatch to the Minister of Railways. This stated that at a conference with tho hoot, 'manufacturers and operatives a most serious situation had boon disclosed because ’of the Department’s refusal to carry hoots or shoes, and that in a few weeks Auckland factories would ho compelled to closo, throwing 400 operatives 'out of employment. The message strongly urged reconsideration of tho boot freight restrictions.

THE RAILWAY OUT,

WELLINGTON’S MAKESHIFTS,

RACEGOERS GET PLAIN INDICATION.

[From Our Coiiresi'ondent.] WELLINGTON, July 7. In tho official advertisements tho Railway Department makes n’o provision for the eighteen-mile trip to Trentham to-morrow and Saturday, consequently motor drivers are charging up to £2 per passenger, so great is the rush for cars. Racecourse caterers, anticipating a lessened attendance, have engaged fewer hands.

A prominent railway officer has rssured a representative of the “Lyttelton Times” that the coal reserves have not yet appreciably increased owing to the cut, as overseas supplies have not arrived.

A remarkable scene was witnessed 'on. the Wellington waterfront this afternoon, when a procession of nearly fifty waggons, laden with goods for shipment by tho Mokoin to Auckland, waited their turn t’o discharge at tho ship’s side. There has been no Auckhand steamer for a fortnight, which added to the conuertion of cargo due to tho railway cut. Tho waggons stretched for nearly half a mile. Progresis was at the rate of a few hundred yards an hour.

SOUTHLAND TIMBER MILLS

[Per Press Association.] INVERCARGILL, July 7. Regarding rostneted train services the secretary of the Southland Sawmilling Company said that unless the restrictions on the carriage of timber are removed shortly mills throughout Southland will have to close, idling 600 men. The Chamber of Commerce has decided to ask the Government what is being dono to remedy the coal shortage.

CARRIAGE OF FRUIT TREES

The Rangiora Repatriation Committee having forwarded a protest to tho Minister of Railways against the carriage of fruit treos being barred undor tlie reduced t-raifl service, thereby interfering with tlio employment of returned soldiers by nurserymen, the following reply has been received from the General Manager of Railways:— “Your telegram to tho Minister regarding the carriage of trees was referred to me. Tho Department extremely regrets the restriction of the timetable, which has only been imposed under stress of d : ro necessity. I hope full timetable will bo restored before tlio planting season is over, but meantime. I cannot make exceptions. Small consignments, not excecd im 561 b, may bo sent through parcels, but onlv on the understanding of there being no guarantee as to dire a tell; and. if found to involve extra vehicle, consignors will be advised that they cannot go forward and they must remove same.”