SUBURBAN RAILWAYS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22709, 23 October 1935, Page 7

SUBURBAN RAILWAYS

INTRODUCTION OF RAIL CARS REDUCTION OF FARES URGED DEPUTATIONS TO BOARD Within 10 minutes of its arrival from the north yesterday afternoon the Railways Board was busily engazed in listenins to the representations by deputations from the Otago Expansion League, the Mosgiel, Green Island, and Port Chalmers Borough Councils, all of which had more or less of a community of Interest in that the questions they placed before the board concerned the introduction of rail cars on the suburban services, the reduction of feres, and the duulication of the Dunedin-Port Chalmers line. The acting chairman of th« board (Sir James Gunson) presided, and

the other members (Messrs D. Reese, G. W. Reid and E. Newman) and the general manager of railways (Mr G. H. Mackley) were also present. The Mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox) extended a welcome to the board and introduced the deputations.

AN ECONOMIC PROPOSITION Mr Errington explain ;d that the Otago Expansion League was waiting on the board to plead the early introduction of the rail car unit to the local suburban services, and in addition to endeavour to prove that such a move was economically sound. Prom an economic point of view the league contended that the two suburban sections radiating from Dunedin were ideal for a trial of rail cars, as so many factors were favourable. In the first place, Port Chalmers and Mosgiel were approximately the same distance from Dunedin, with an almost equal amount of lending. Moreover, supplies of fuel oil were handy. Competition by road had not yet spoiled the service, and any improvements effected would .retain for the railways such business as they already had, and would, in fact, increase it. The first essential demanded by the travelling public was a frequent service, and this was not available with steam locomotive' trains, as they were large units and did not pay to run with light loadings. The peak loadings of workers travelling to and from work could be overcome, and it was suggested that steam trains be despatched from Dunedin to Port Chalmers or Mosgiel at 7.30 a.m. as at present, the locomotives to regain at both terminals during the day and be utilised for shunting work. They could return with the 5.15 p.m. trains, and in the meantime a half-hourly service could be maintained both to Port Chalmers and Mosgiel. MAIN LINE DUPLICATION Mr Errington emphasised the necessity for a continuation of the main north line duplication from St. Leonards to Sawyers' Bay, and said that the improvement that had already been effected by the duplication of the line from Dunedin to St. Leonards fully justified this work being put in hand. With this section of the main line completed, through trains would have a clear run in and out of Dunedin, and it would then be unnecessary to hold suburban trains at St. Leonards and Sawyers' Bay, as occasionally happened. This work if put in hand, would, moreover, materially assist in the absorption of a large section of the unemployed labour in Dunedin. The Mayor supported Mr Errington's remarks regarding the duplication of the main north line, and stressed the fact that in the near future, Port Chalmers must be the main shipping terminal for the province. He could also visualise a considerable export of timber from Dunedin at no very distant date, if proper facilities were afforded by the Railways Department. He pointed out that the City Corporation had' several large tracts of timber, which, when milled, would require transporting. Sir James Gunson: Do you want railway facilities—is this going to be a practical proposition? The Mayor: Yes. The corporation already has a forest of 200 acres in elude proximity to the city, which will be ready for cutting in two or three years. Mr Cox added that the Dunedin-Port Chalmers line duplication, on account of its nearness to the city, would afford very desirable work for the unemployed. Mr Errington added that the league would like the board to keep an eye on the great tourist routes, such as that to Milford Sound. These were key services and it would be to the board's advantage to control or operate them either by rail or by bus feeder services CHEAPER FARES WANTED The Mayor of Mosgiel (Mr A. F. Quelch) brought forward the question of fares on the Mosgiel-Dunedin line, and requested the board to consider their reduction. He thought that the people who used this service were just as much entitled to consideration as the travellers on the suburban trains in Anck land, and he had no hesitation in saying that the present service to Mosgiel and the fares"charged were seriously retarding the growth of the town. It was the consensus of opinion that worker? travelling to and from the city on this route were paying far more than they should pay, and if the fares were reduced, it would be of benefit not only to Mosgiel but to the Railways Department. Replying to a question by Sir James Gunson, Mr Quelch said that there was jio competitive road service to Mosgiel. I-f buses were to come down to a competitive price, the Transport Board would block them. He was satisfied, added Mr Quelch, that if rail cars were introduced, the department would benefit. SPEEDIER AND CHEAPER SERVICE Mr D. Forsyth (Port Chalmers Borough Council) said that what was desired was a speedier, more frequent, and cheaper service. TJie places linked

up by the suburban lines would be desirable residential areas if an adequate service were provided, and ultimately the board would benefit. The Mayor of Port Chalmers (Mr T. Scollay) supported Mr Forsyth and made a special appeal for cheaper fares for apprentices and girls who were working in Dunedin. The Mayor of Green Island (Mr T. M'Allan) also spoke, expressing the opinion that rail cars would provide the solution of the present difficulties, his remarks being endorsed by the Mayor of West Harbour (Mr A. Smith), who also criticised the department's methods in carrying out the duplication of the Dunedin-Port Chalmers line. THE BOARD'S POINT OF VIEW Sir James Gunson, in reply, said that the board was devoted to the welfare of New Zealand's great railway system, and its interest was Dominion-wide.- It wus prepared, and indeed willing, to give full sympathy to any suggestion that was made to it. The board appreciated Hie general remarks that were offered in regard to its efforts, and it deeply appreciated the important points raised in connection with Otago sectional interests. Rail cars, he added, represented one of the progressive developments made by the board. It had been only in recent years that they had really become practicable. An early experiment in Canterbury had not been a success, but conditions then had not been as favourable as they were now. After some months of consideration the board had decided, in an experimental way, to order 11 cars to be run on two sections of the line —one from Wellington over the Rimutakas to Palinerston North, and the other (a night service) between Wellington and New Plymouth. As this had involved an expenditure of £40,000, the importance of the matter could be realised. The board had decided that it would be wise to await the active operation of these units before dealing similarly with other sections of line. It wanted to be sure that it had the right unit. The Dunedin sections would be given early consideration if the board decided to extend its operations in this respect. Personally he was confident that at the end of the present financial year the board would face the rail car question with the idea of making a further forward move. Discussing the proposals for tlie duplication of the St. Leonards-Sawyers' Bay line, Sir James Gunson pointed out the difficulties involved and said that this was one of the problems which the board had to face. The cost of duplicating this relatively short section of line would be £IOO,OOO, and only if traffic and financial considerations warranted the work could the board embark upon it. The representations with respect to fares would be considered, but he could not make promises. In this connection what had been said with respect to reductions in other centres had been noted, and the matter would be considered in that light. He referred to the remarks which had been made with respect to the possibility of the growth of population along the suburban lines, and stated it was the board's duty to develop areas if the traffic warranted this course. The board did not consider, however, that its duty was to transfer population from one place to another. "If we can't do anything we shall tell you why," he concluded, ." and if we can do something we shall tell you when and how."