NORTHERN RAILWAYS

Northern Advocate, 3 October 1930, Page 4

NORTHERN RAILWAYS

The Pailway Commission, the report of which was presented to Parliament yesterday afternoon, makes some striking comments relative to branch railway lines in the North Auckland pen-

insula. Although it dues not say so in as many words, it indicates its belief that the lines will never pay, and that they should eventually bo closed down. The Kaihohe branch line’s oper at ions for the last year resulted in a

loss of £17,946. The total revenue

was £12,.100, and the expenditure, including Avnrking expenses, £14,871, and interest, £15,.‘17'), amounted to £30,2415. This line is now being extended through difficult country from a constructional point of view, and tho commission expresses the opinion that though tho. extension will open up a greater area of land, it is unlikely that the line will ever pay more than working expenses, or that the position will improve as tho line is extended. The commission recommends that the working of this branch be watched closely, and reviewed from time to time. If it is found that the settlers do not support the line, the advisability of closing it should be considered. The Kirikopuni branch is also painted in unattractive colours. It is contended that the interest charges,/ which last year amounted to £45,220, will continue, and be considerably increased when the Kirikopuui-Tangowahino section is incorporated with the railway system. As with the Kaikoho branch, the commission says the working of the Kirikopuni section should be closely watched, and, if no improvement takes place, the closing of tho line should bo considered. The Kaihn branch is regarded as hopeless. The total loss last, year was £1.1,252, and Hie commission recommends that unless this loss can be decreased in the near future, the closing of the lino must also be considered. The commission’s criticism of northern branch lines is bound to arouse keen discussion; the opinions expressed are certainly very disconcerting.