Scows, Steamers, Rail To Replace Tracks In The Far North

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1942, Page 6

Scows, Steamers, Rail To Replace Tracks In The Far North

Diversion from road io sea and rail of much road haulage in the four northernmost counties is certain following a three-day trip made by the Minister for Transport (Mr. R. Semple), who passed through Whangarei today on his return south. At conferences with representatives of local bodies, chambers of commerce and dairy companies, held at Kaikohe, Kaitaia and Kawakawa. the Minister gained complete agreement in measures for the conservation of tyres and petrol. In order to take goods off rubber transport. Mr. Semple emphasised, the utmost use must be made of coastal shipping and rail services.

Storekeepers and settlers in districts adjacent to the many fine northern harbours would have to rely on scows and coastal steamers in place of trucks.

Community Truck Service

The community rail truck service, subject of much Northland controversy, will be continued to stations such as Kaikohe and Okaihau, but road truck services radiating from such points to coastal areas will be reviewed by the No. I Transport Licensing Authority NT". F. J. Phelan), who will commence a series of sittings at Kaitaia next Monday. Meeting Mr. Semple at the station today, the chairman of the Whangare-i Harbour Board (Mr. E. L. Whimp) and Mr. C. V. Stringer, on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, received an assurance from the Minister that Mr. Phelan, when in Whangarei next week, would meet representatives of local interests to discuss transport problems. Salvaging of Rubber

The Minister was gratified by arrangements made at Kaneohe. Kaitaia and Kawakawa for the collection of waste rubber, principally truck and

car tyres, which are being brought into central depots by cream cart.- and other services. The Government, he said, has arranged to transport to the main centres the valuable rubber salvaged. Such a plain he suggested, might well be adopted in Whangarei.

Second Line of Defence

“All those outside the Army constitute the second line of defence, which roust be maintained to increase production in order to feed cur own soldiers. Allied troops and the civilian population, and to maintain transport services to the highest degree of efficiency," said Mr. Semple. Transport is the mainspring of the second line, and if it is allowed to deteriorate, the first is endangered. The mission I have now commenced in the North Island is to see that all petrol and lyres are conserved in order to keep this line well maintained. "Wo have got to realise that we arc in a jamb, and to carry on by saving every ounce of rubber we can. The war has reached the stage that we in New Zealand have io put up with increasing sacrifices and inconveniences.

"If we go on without rationing and zoning, a considerable number of commercial vehicles will be off the roads in a few months, and. before them, the pleasure cars. "Tire Army is not badly off for supplies at present, but unless the second line is kept intact commercial trade will soon be in chaos.