THE SHORTAGE OF TRUCKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12862, 10 May 1905, Page 7

THE SHORTAGE OF TRUCKS.

TO THE EDITOR. .Sir,—During the past five years- the collieries have suffered from an inadequate supply of empty trucks whenever any targe race meeting, show, or regatta takes place. Each year the trouble becomes more aggravated. About four years ago 1 formed, with the president and secretary of the union, a deputation to represent the matter to the Minister for Railways. "We wore assured then that the amount of rolling stock then being procured would put an end to all the trouble. On one occasion the men at one mine two days together were brought out to work ami compelled to return home on account of there hot being any empties to start. Naturally the men were much incensed at this, and blamed the management. Quite a little labour trouble was threatened for a time. To smooth matter- over my directors met a deputation of the union, at which the traffic manager was invited to bo present to see if any better arrangement, could, be made. Unable to he present himself he sent the tratlie inspector, and wo were given to understand that they were doing the best in their power. This was on March 9, 1901-. Since then matters have not been any bettor at holiday times. The great shortage is clearly caused by tho waggons classed 11 being taken out of the ordinary traffic to be seated for passengers, Note the Railway Department's statement that directly Monday's traffic was over 70 waggons were put back into commission as quickly a.-, possible. These 70 waggons represent 1000 tons carrying capacityoneseventh of the total available for an already understocked railway. The trucks in question arc taken out of work to be heated as much as 10 days before the event for which ihey arc required. J. have several time.? seen our workmen knocked off for want of empty trucks, and several of these, large ones, with a carrying capacity of 13 to 15 tons each, sent through Hun try to A'" klaud empty, then back again with covers on and seats in days before required. Imagine one-seventh of the rolling stock locked up for 10 days for one day's sport, such a« Ngarunwahia regatta. Coming to the most recent shortage, at Easter, we will go back to April 11; but before doing so i admit the Dcpartnsj.at supplied trucks and wanted tin mines to work on Saturday, 22nd lilt., but at tlio same time wanted us to be idle on Tuesday, 25th nit. Good Friday and Easier Monday arc award holidays. Now, what, employer of labour would ask his men to work on a day between two Mich holidays and be idle the following Tuesday, spoiling one of the very few good holidays workmen have'.' \Vc order empty trucks each day, bO for Ralph's mine, lluntly, and 25 for Kimihia: Saturday, being a short- day, 50 and 20 respectively. How the Department arrives at the figures quoted is best known to themselves. There are 44 waggons built for the exclusive use of one company, and sometime.-! we are supplied with an excess of these and a. scarcity of ordinary trucks. On the 26th and 27th ult. wo- were compelled to load 160 (on.-% into these waggons on account of there not being others available, the second and third day's work after the holiday in which we are accused of keeping the waggons '* hung up." The following will show the waggon? loaded since April 25: —

On the 28tli, (he fourth day after the holidays, both .mines were slopped for want of waggons. May 1 was cavilling day, i.e., Iho first day in new places which millers ballot for every three mouths. The output on these days is consequently reduced. The time lost at each mine since April 11 and the corresponding amount of output lost were as follows:— From April 11 to May 5 inclusive, Ralph's mine lost 192 hours, involving a loss in output of 708 tons. Kimihia mine lost 19J hours, involving a loss in output of 307 ton-. Tie total loss in output thus was 1015 leu-. Taking Saturday, the 22nd. which was declared a holiday, in lieu of Tuesday, the latter being desired by the Department, we lost a further output of 350 ton*, making it gross loss of output owing to scarcity of rolling stock of 1365 tons of coal since April 11. This is the true cause of our customers having such short supplies. Every one. was run bare and we have not been able yet to overtake the arrears. The mines are capable of a iixod daily output, which can only be increased by time and expense. Such will be done when the necessity arises. To meet the winter trade the company will open i lie Extended mine on the 15th inn., if the supply of waggons warrants the action."

[ give the local officials credit for most strenuously endeavouring to perform the impossible, but they cannot run excursion traffic and keep the ordinary coal and goods traffic in order with the amount of rolling stock at their command. The present traffic manager takes more interest and work* harder ill this matter than cither of his two predecessors. lie has my most profound sympathy in the task sot him, and J. sincerely hope he may find ways and means of overcoming the difficulties. Thanking you in "anticipation of the insertion of this lengthy epistle. It would have pleased. me better to be spared (ho trouble. lint how els© could the public be convinced that, the shortage of trucks is not "alleged';"—l am, etc.. Edward S. Wight, Manager Taupiri Coal Mine-. Limited,

Ralph's mine. Kimihia. Total. April 25 60 19 79 April 26 ... ... 60 24 84 April 27 58 26 81 April 28 45 10 55 April 29 '!•'. 21 63 May 1 49 21 70 May 2 59 22 SI May 3 57 23 80 Mar .V 59 26 £5' May 5 6?. 24 86