THE POLITICAL ARENA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 14, 14 May 1912, Page 5

THE POLITICAL ARENA.

RAILWAY MATTERS

(Per Press Association.)

Ashburton, May 13

The Minister for Railways to-day promised a deputation which waited on him here, and which asked for a faster early morning train service to Christchurch, that the speed of the train would be accelerated on two mornings weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays). He refused to consider the requeest for a new railway station. Mrs Myers, who was with the Minister, is taking a great interest in the working of the Department, and made the journey between Rakaia and Ashburton on the first express this morning in the cab of the engitne. Timaru, May 13.

The Minister for Railways met the members of the Harbour Board to-day and listened to complaints of the shortage of trucks and shunting power, on the wharves especially, and also the insufficient shed and yard accommodation. Mr J. Craigie, M.P., pointed out the inconvenience of the road to the goods sheds crossing the shunting and train starting yard. It was also pointed out that the accommodation provided eight years ago had become inadequate, as the traffic had doubled in that time. The lack of shunting power meant a loss to ship- : pers through slow work and overtime I pay. The men sometimes had to leave the holds to move trucks on the wharf. The Minister said that after visiting Christchurch and Timaru he saw that the truck-building programme must bo revised. He intended to put !an end to that complaint. He would [ probably have trucks built outside the 1 Department. He, suggested that the Harbour Board should follow the ex- ! ample of Auckland and Wellington, ! and provide facilities for working the wharves. He would consult his responsible advisers on the whole of the matters submitted to him, and provide the facilities asked for everywhere within reason. It was necessary for the development of the country’s resources, but it would mean borrowing. He hoped those who asked for them would not accuse the Government ot frenzied finance if it borrowed to meet their requirements.