OTAGO BRANCH LINES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 11

OTAGO BRANCH LINES.

COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDA-

TIONS.

DRASTIC CURTAILMENTS. WELLINGTON, October 2. The Railways Commission summarise? its findings concerning the Otago branch lines as follows:—

Kurow Branch.—The commission recommends that the present passenger service be discontinued and thaz a mixed goods train be run daily, which train will be substituted for the present passenger and goods service. It is further recommended that the line from Kurow to Hakataramea be lifted, unless a satisfactory arrangement can be made with the local bodies concerned to bear a higher proportion of the cost of repairs to the bridges over the Waitaki River (saving £lBOO per annum). Ngapara-Livingstone Branch.—The commission recommends that the train services on the Windsor-Tokarahi section, which have already been discontinued, be not reinstated (saving £2OOO per annum).

Waihemo Branch.—The commission recommends that, provided the patronage given to this line continues, no alteration be made to the present services. Otago Central Line.—The commission recommends that the present winter time table be operated throughout the year This will have the effect of materially reducing the train mileage and will enable savings to be effected in the staff (saving £3OOO per annum). Outram Branch.—This is an instance of a service in excess of requirements. The evidence submitted showed that the minimum service required was one train each way per day, or a total of 12 trains per week. The commission recommends that the locomotive depot at Outram be closed and the staff transferred, arrangements to be made for a goods service only to meet the local requirements of the district (saving £5OO per annum). Roxburgh Branch.—The commission recommends that between Lawrence and Roxburgh goods traffic be catered for and that between Lawrence and Milton goods traffic only be catered for, with a provision that on one day per week a passenger service be provided. There does not appear to be much possibility of any great increase in traffic taking place ian by the elimination of motor traffic, and if it is found that full support is not being given to the railway the commission further recommends that the rates on this branch for the conveyance of low class goods and fruit be increased.

. Gatlins River Branch.—The commission is of opinion that no decrease in the time table should be made at present, but the position be reviewed at definite periods with a view to takin» action and curtailing services if no in” provement results.