ROLLING STOCK

Southland Times, Issue 23140, 5 March 1937, Page 7

ROLLING STOCK

A SHORTAGE IN SOUTHLAND

DEPUTATIONS TO MINISTER The shortage of rolling stock and railway wagon covers in Southland, particularly in the spring season. of the year, was mentioned last evening to the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) by a deputation from the Invercargill Grain Merchants’ Association, consisting of Messrs G. T. "Stevens (chairman), J. Murray Wilson and Roland Taylor. For many years past, it was. stated, merchants had experienced difficulty in securing trucks for. the carrying of manures, seeds and lime. This year the position was more acute than ever. Representations were made to the department in Invercargill and also to the Minister, and while it was recognized that every effort was made to relieve the position, there was still a serious shortage of trucks and covers. The period from September 1 to the end of the year was the most affected, but it could be said also that the shortage existed throughout the season for the distribution of lime and the carrying of wool. The position had given rise to a discussion by farming interests throughout the province, and it was felt that the allocation of rolling stock to the Southland district was not in proportion to the business offering; also, in comparison with the allocations in other centres it was feared that the growing production .of Southland had been overlooked. It was shown by the deputation that the coal handled on the Wairio line for the 1935-36 period was greatly in excess of past years, and the lime carried. had increased by 100 per cent The deputation also asked for more accuracy in the weighing of produce by the Railway Department This work, it was considered, should be carried out under cover or in a sheltered position. Further, as Bluff was. a railway port the desirability of erecting a sorting shed was stressed. The Minister, in reply, said that as far as the allocation of rolling stock was concerned the South Island would get every consideration. Mr G. H. Mackley, general manager of railways, commenting on the request for covers, said that Southland was the worst place in New Zealand for the misuse by farmers of the covers.

Other Deputations For five hours last night the Minister was occupied hearing deputations. Many were private. Mr W. M. C. Denham, M.P., introduced the deputations. Mr D. W. Stalker, on behalf of certain workers engaged at the Makarewa freezing works, put several requests before the Minister for a concession in the weekly ticket and, for an adjustment in the time of the trains carrying men to the works.

The deputation was sympathetically received and a promise of full consideration given to" all requests. A deputation from the saw milling interests of Southland was also heard and consideration of the representations promised. Mr Stalker, representing the shareholders of the Southern Cross Glass Company (Ashburton), introduced the question of the reopening of the works. He was accorded a sympathetic hearing. _