ELECTRIC TRANSPORT TO JOHNSONVILLE

Southland Times, Issue 23538, 18 June 1938, Page 4

ELECTRIC TRANSPORT TO JOHNSONVILLE

NEW RAILWAY SERVICE TO BEGIN ON JULY 4

(United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 16.

The operation of an electric multipleunit passenger transport on the Wel-lington-Johnsonville line will begin with the departure of the 6.35 a.m. train from Wellington on Monday, July 4, and the inaugural ceremony of the introduction of the service will be held on Saturday, July 2, at 2.30 p.m., according to a statement by the Minister of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) today. “The ' inauguration of multiple-unit electric traction on the WellingtonJohnsonville line—the first of its kind in New Zealand—is an important occasion for the people of the districts concerned and will, I feel sure, be welcomed by them and by the local bodies and organizations which for many years have kept the transport needs of

their districts prominently before the Government and public,” said the Minister. “I feel confident that in the electric multiple-unit trains to be used on this line and in the timetable arranged very welcome improvements in the passenger transport needs of the community resident in this area will be effected. “Arrangements are being made for the new standard rail car Aotea, as well as a new electric locomotive for the Wellington-Paekakariki line and other types of railway passenger and power units to be on view at Wellington station for the opening ceremony at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, July 2.”