PROGRESS LEAGUE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 4 March 1932, Page 7

PROGRESS LEAGUE

TRAFFIC ON THE RAILWAY v EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE COUNTRY SUPPORT LETTER FROM GENERAL MANAGER A meeting of the Nelson Progress League was held, yesterday afternoon. There were present: Messrs F. I. Ledger, president (in the chair), F. G. Gibbs, A. Thomson, P. Best, J. T. Radford, J. Wigzell, F. W. Huggins, Dr S. A. Gibbs and the Mayor, Mr W. J. Moffatt. Messrs Corder, Manson and Everett were unable to attend owing to the meeting clashing with that of the Waimea County Council. Apologies were also received from Messrs A. Robinson, E. FI. Thomson, and the Hon. W. W. Snodgrass M.L.C. NELSON RAILWAY MATTERS In further reference to the League’s endeavours to keep the Nelson section of railway open the following letter was received from the General Manager of Railways (Mr P. G. Roussell): “During the "recent discussions with your League .in respect of the question of the Department continuing to operate the Nelson Section of railway you will recollect that mention was made of certain lines of traffic which it was considered might reasonably be diverted to rail transport and in this respect I have pleasure in informing you that the transport of the coal traffic from the Owen Colleries has now been placed with the Department, arrangements having been made for this traffic to be railed from Glenhope. “Another line of traffic which came under review at your League’s meeting was that of timber from Inangaliua. In regard to the question of securing the transport of this traffic I have to say that while the Department was prepared to carry this timber at a rate acceptable to the consignee firm, unfortunately the firm concerned had made certain commitments Which prevented them placing all this traffic on the rail and the negotiation's were unsuccessful. “In regard to the question of the Murchison traffic also being diverted to rail I may say that-endeavour was made to have this traffic rail borne and although tentative offers to reduce our rates were made to the Murchison tradespeople the desired undertaking to accord us all their business was unfortunately not forthcoming and in view of our inability to obtain this assurance the Department has reluctantly been compelled to retain its present rates between Nelson and Murchison. “While every endeavour has been made to secure as much of the traffic as- possible unfortunately circumstances have precluded the materialisation of our efforts, consequently this aspect must weigh with the Department when finally reviewing the position of the t Nelson Section generally. “The activities of your League in the matter of stimulating interest in railway affairs and the helpful" attitude evinced throughout are very much appreciated and I would take this opportunity of expressing the Department’s thanks for the co-operation accorded.” INFORMATION FROM MR HORNBLOW The Acting Stationmaster in, charge*’ at Nelson (Mr H. H. HOrnblow) forwarded the following letter:— “In response to your enquiry as to the amount of traffic now being carried by rail on the Nelson Section I have much pleasure in supplying you with the following particulars:—

“Wool traffic has shown an increase of over 1500 hales during the last three months, compared with the same period last' year and I attribute this to the fact that feeder services have been instituted by the Department at certain points along the line, giving farmers direct communication from their farms to rail and vice versa. The farmers appreciate this service and are undoubtedly making an honest endeavour to keep the line open by giving the Department the whole of their support. “Another advantage which the country people appreciate is the alteration to the timetable which came into operation on the 18th January last. The afternoon train from Glenhope was altered to arrive at Nelson at 3.50 p.m. thus giving connection with the steamer same day. This alteration has encouraged the farmers to ship perishable traffic in fairly large quantities and has been the means of obtaining other traffic which would otherwise have gone by road.

“Firewood shows a decrease due to large quantities being brought into Nelson from districts not connected by rail such as the Rai and Moutere. “Timber also shows a decrease due to large quantities coming forward by road. “There is a big increase in the number of lambs coming forward from the Murchison district for the Nelson Freezing Works and it has been necessary to runs special trains lately to cope with this traffic.“Coal from the Owen Collieries is now coming steadily forward by rail and with the winter months before us I anticipate larger quantities in the near future. “General merchandise from Nelson and the Port to country stations shows an increase compared with the same period last year but there is a decrease in such commodities as cement, bricks, iron and fencing materials and this is no doubt due to the present hard times necessitating a curtailment in building operations and improvements. “I anticipate a substantial increase in the fruit traffic this year. To meet the fruitgrowers the Department has reduced the rate on fruit from stations Brightwater to Richmond inclusive and will run a special train for this traffic, from Brightwater to the Port once a day, providing sufficient is offering to warrant a special train. “There is no appreciable increase in passenger traffic except on Fridays by the train which arrives from Glenhope at 10 a.m. This train arrives an hour earlier than hitherto and is being well patronised. The average number of passengers carried by this train each Fridav* is in the vicinity of 100. “Generally speaking there has been a marked improvement during the last few months and if this improvement continues the Railways Board might be encouraged to keep the line open.” Mr Hornblow was present at the meeting and the owner of the firm concerned in the cartage of timber from Inangaliua also attended and explained his position. The matter is left in an open position, the following resolution being passed: “That a letter be written to the General Manager of Railways expressing the hope- that the Department will continue its negotiations with the Murchison people, and also asking Mr A. Thomson to interview on behalf of the league /the Murchison business people while he is at that township.” Members considered there was still a great probability of getting the whole of the Nelson traffic on the line. Mr Hornblow was thanked for his information. OTHER BUSINESS It was resolved that the League obtain two copies of the Transport Board’s report for 1929-30. Dr Gibbs who moved the motion, considered that it was a most illuminating report on the relative expense of railway road and sea transport. In regard to a proposition by the “Christchurch Press” concerning advertising in a Nelson number it was resolved to reply that as the League proposes to bring out an advertising folder, it regrets that the proposition cannot be undertaken. A letter was received from the local branch of the Public Service Association soliciting the League’s support against the proposed further reduction in the salaries of Public servants. It was resolved to reply that the matter referred to does not come within the province of the League. It was resolved to endorse the proposal of the Marlborough Progress League to recommend to the Government that a National Park be constituted to control Marlborough Sounds Reserve J and adjacent waters and islands. Mr A. Thomson asked for better access on behalf of a settler of West Wanganui Inlet. For many years the settler had experienced great difficulty in getting stock out. The provision of a bridge would solve the difficulty and the settler was prepared to cart all the timber and material to the spot It was resolved to Avrite to the Collingwood County Council askyig for full information on the matter.