UNPROFITABLE RAILWAYS

Taranaki Daily News, 9 August 1930, Page 8

UNPROFITABLE RAILWAYS

CLOSING BRANCH LINES

NO POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE. ■ MINISTER CONFIRMS DECISION. By Telesraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night, f A further announcement regarding ! the closing of South Island branelf railways, which was previously indii cated but was deferred pendin'* investigation into local representations, was made to-day by the Minister of Railways, the lion. W. A. Veitch. “I hav® previously mentioned the Government’s intention to close down certain nonpaying lines in the South Island,” sjiidL the Minister, ‘‘and as a result I received! numerous representations from the districts concerned urging that the existing train services should be maintain* ed, or alternatively that a restricted service should be run. These representations have been carefully considered, but’ with the traffic returns and operating costs before me I can only conclude that the heavy operating losses being horns by the Qonsolida.ted Revenue in respect of these lines are out of all proportion to the volume of traffic handled and the ■ service given. "In the absence of any guarardees ; indeinii'lying the department against operating losses it lias been derided td close down these lines as previously announced.” Questioned regarding the possibility of running restricted services, as alternative to the complete closing of the lines, the Minister declared that this would practically nullify the object aimed at, namely, a definite curtailment in operating losses. "Maintenance charges.” ho added, "represent a large proportion of the cost of operating. From the,point of view of safety in working it is necessary to maintain the same standard, of track maintenance whether a restricted or a full service is run.” The lines from Oxford West to Sheffield. Kurow to ITakataramea, Windsor to Tokarahi, and the Cape Foul wind branch have already been closed. The Eyreion branch, Mossburn branch and Tuatapere-Orawia extension will be closed on August 23. Tn the case of certain other lines set down for closing, such as the Mt. Somers-Springburn, Heriot-Edievale and Wyndliam-Glenhait I lines, these will be closed as soon as depart!, ental arrangements in the way of transfeis of staff and plant can be made, and subject, of course, to. reasonable notice being given through the Press to the settlers concerned. ... "Simila’ly in the North Island,” added the Minister, “it is the intention to dose down riie Greytown branch as soon as the necessary arrangements are complete. The date of closing will be advised later, and full opportunity will be given to residents to clear, any goods in transit. Some additional economies are being considered in connection with other unprofitable lines, and the decisions thereon will .be made public in every case before action is taken.”