TRAINS RUNNING LATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20306, 13 July 1929, Page 13

TRAINS RUNNING LATE.

TROUBLE FOR FOUR YEARS.

RECORD AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC.

STEPS TO IMPROVE POSITION.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON. Friday.,

Criticism of tho late running of trains and tho frequency of engine failure drew a reply from tho Minister of Railways, tho Hon. W. B. Taverncr, in tho House this afternoon.

The Minister said he had had figures prepared showing the average late running of tho mail and express trains from 1924 onward. The average number of minutes late daily for each year was:— 1924, 3.51; 1925, 3.64; 1926, 5.54; 1927, 5.94; 1928, 6.22; 1929, 6.65. " My predecessor, Mr. Coates, had a radical rovision of the passenger train service made in 1925," said Mr. Taverncr. " It will bo seen from that time onward thero has been a steady increaso in the average, train delay figure. The increase for 1929 over 1928 was .43 minutes, showing quite conclusively that during tho last year during a portion of which I have been in office, the increase in tho late train figure has been loss than the average for tho four previous years since the speeding up of tho time-table in 1925. I submit, therefore, that on the figures themselves thero is no justification for any suggestion that the present administration suffers by comparison with its predecessor.''

Since tho present administration had been Operating there had been an increase of more than 300,000 miles in tho train mileage. Such an increase in tho intensity of tho traffic must inevitably have an effect on the running of trains, more particularly where tho proportion of single lino working was so large as it was on our system. The system had been carrying this record volume of business with a smaller number of locomotives than was the case in 1926, and with only five more than in 1925. A further material circumstance was that connected with the workshop reorganisation. This inevitably resulted in a slowing up of tho repair work, and, particularly ifi the South Island, resulted in a fairly substantial accumulation of arrears. Notwithstanding these circumstances, the Government had a good showing so far as failures of engines were concerned. The absolute failures in 1927 were 144, in 1928 184, and in 1929 159. " All arrears of repairs will be overtaken before the next busy season sets in, and I am justified in saying that the present position may bo regarded as a passing phase," added the Minister. "We aim to improve the standard, and definite steps have already been initiated in that direction."

NEW STEAMER SERVICE.

MODERN VESSELS REQUIRED.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON. Friday.

Speaking of the intercolonial steamer service during his speech in the House to-dav the Minister of Railways, the Hon. W. B. Tavcrner, stated the Government's intention to re-establish the South IslandAustralia steamer service was of great importance as at the present time tho great majority of Australians and visitors coming to New Zealand by way of Australia necessarily came to the northern ports. If they travelled to the South they were faced with the necessity of going back over tho same ground and again departing from a northern port. He felt most strongly that a very great and widespread benefit to all concerned would be brought about when this service was functioning properly. It was essential, however, that the steamers provided should be modern and reasonably fast.