OTAGO CENTRAL TRAINS

Otago Witness, Issue 3467, 24 August 1920, Page 16

OTAGO CENTRAL TRAINS

(Fhom Odb Own Cobbespondent.)

WELLINGTON, August 18. Answering a question by Mr J. Bitchener (Waitaki), Mr Massey to-day made tho following statement: —The train which reaches Kanfurly at 7 p.m. is a goods train. The passenger car is dropped off at Ranfurly in order that goods traffics may be taken on from that station to Omakau. The haulage of the passenger car between the two stations would result in considerable loss of haulage power and delay the goods traffic . and from observations that have been mac'> the passenger car would practically be hauled empty between the two stations. Further inquiries will, however, be made into the matter, and as soon as these are completed I will communicate with the hon. member.

The question of extending the time for lunch to half an hour has already been considered, and will be given effect to when the time-table is revised and reprinted. The erection of a verandah has already been authorised. The matter of goods shed extensions is being Investigated. In reply to Mr J. Horn's question, Mr Massey stated: I am not aware that any definite promise was given that the Otago Central train would connect with the south express from Dunedin to Invercargill. The request was noted for consideration when the time-table was being reviewed. It is not desirable to increase the stopping places of the through _ Ghristchurch-Invercargill express train, which forms a connection between the two islands. The alteration necessary however, involves a considerably earlier start of the morning train from Clyde, and the question of whether this would be suitable to the district is being looked into.