RAILWAY COMMISSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17275, 26 September 1919, Page 8

RAILWAY COMMISSION.

MAINTENANCE OF STOCKS.

NO TROUBLE EXPERIENCED. VISIT TO SOUTH ISLAND. [by telegraph.—press ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Thursday. The Royal Commission appointed to investigate the curtailment of the railway services has heard further evidence. George Arthur Pearson, assistant chief mechanical engineer, stated that he agreed with the finding of the Railway Commission of 1917 that the condition of the- rolling stock was good. There had been no trouble in regard to maintenance

of stocks. With the present engine pow*r greater mileage could be run than in 1916. West Coast and Newcastle coal were absolutely necessary if fast services were to be maintained. The tendency was to reduce the consumption of brown coal. Replying to Mr. Myers, witness said that when he was in Auckland recently he found the condition of the engines and other rolling stock to be remarkably good. The Department continued its building programme until 1917, when it was suspended. Should it be decided to proceed with a fresh building programme, the Department would be in a position to commence operations. Edward James Guinness, chief clerk in the stores branch of the Railway Department, said there were ample supplies of material on hand. He was absolutely satisfied that sufficient stores were coming forward, and were on hand to meet all requirements.

To Mr. Marchbanks: Stocks for railway purposes had received excellent despatch from Britain during the war. In answer to Mr. Hunt, witness added that if the new programme of building were ordered he would be hi a position to meet nearly all demands. Mr. Myers intimated that it was not proposed to call further witnesses at that stage. Ihe chairman said the commission thought it should visit the South Island for the purpose of seeing the workshops at Addington and obtaining information regarding the condition of the rolling stock in the South Island. Some local witnesses might also wish to be heard, and the commissioners did not vrant it to be said that the commission never went near the South Island. So far as the coal question was concerned, it was hoped to deal with that matter in Wellington.