DEPUTATION TO RAILWAY COMMISSIONERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 9955, 16 March 1894, Page 2

DEPUTATION TO RAILWAY COMMISSIONERS.

THIS DAY. A meeting was held at 11 o'clock on Friday morning at Mr Bauchope's office, to meet the Railway Commissioners. Amongst those present were Messrs Bellringer (chairman), Teed, Cock, W. D. Webster, Govett, F. L. Webster, N. King, Wilson, Tribe, Goldwater, and Buxton. - Messrs Ronayne and Scott, two of the Railway Commissioners, were present. The first thing brought under the Commissioners' notice was the necessity for a stronger crane at €he goods station ; the present one having broken down on two or three occasions. The question of increasing shed accommodation and greater despatch of goods from the shed was also considered. Two or three importers present said that in nearly every instance it took from two to three days before they got goods that had come up from breakwater. On many occasions importers in Stratford and Inglewood had got their goods long before New Plymouth importers got theirs. Indeed, New Plymouth could get goods quicker by having them sent to Inglewood and brought back again. In reference to the crane the Commissioners intimated that inquiry would be made and a stronger one erected. Speaking of the demand for greater shed accommodation, it appeared from what some who had spoken on the matter said that if more labor were employed on the days that the Auckland steamers came in that it would help matters. This would be done. The Department did n«fc believe in stinting, and objected to stationmasters taking the place of casual labor. The reduction of railage, especially on flour, from the breakwater to th« goods station, was then considered. The reduction of one shilling per ton was asked for by the Harbor Board, in order that they could put an extra shilling on the wharfage. Mr Cock, on behalf of the Harbor Board, pointed out that though the Commissioners had taken off sixpence, yet, as the Board relied on the wharfage to keep the breakwater in repair, they needed all available funds. It was pointed out by other gentlemen that the railage on the breakwater line was much greater than on any other portion of the railways. The Commissioners promised to consider this matter on their return to Wellington. The Commissioners were asked to institute daily communication with Wellington, and also to run a goods train this side of Stratford. In reference to this, the Commissioners thought that the time had hardly arrived when daily communication was necessary, but they thought that another through train might be run in the week. With j reference to goods train, on referring to Mr Buxton, he had intimated that goods trains were run at present when necessary. The Commissioners' attention was called to the fact that the rates for the conveyance of timber were much higher on the Taranaki railway than on any others in the colony. The Taranaki rate is the specified rate but on the Wairarapa section the rate was 3d less per 100 feet. Other examples were mentioned by Mr Tribe, all showing that the Taranaki rates were the highest. The Commissioners will consider this matter on their «• return to Wellington. The questions* of the bad lighting of carriages and the necessity for a refreshment car on the through trains were mattera the Commissioners had already under consideration. The unsafe condition of the Sentry Hill platform was brought before the Commissioners. They will visit Sentry Hill, but they are of opinion that nothing short of removing the station southwards will make the station a good one. The Commissioners wDI visit the — Eliot-s*rp f ;t sidicit this ..afternoon, and judge whether the present siding will remain. Mr Gommvater, on behajf of the Sports Committee, brought the Question of excursion trains to New Plymouth under the consideratioTi of the Commissioners. He said that no inducements were offered people from outlying districts to visit New Plymouth when sports or races were held. Mr Bai'ciioi'j: also spoke on tin's question. Mrßux'iux said that excursion trains had been run on previous occasion, but they had not paid for the extra advertising, etc. The COMMISSJONfciw said that if any excursion trains were wanted they could arrange with Mr Buxton a month or so beforehand, and that gentleman would make his recommendations to them. After a hearty vote of thanks being accorded the Commissioners, the meeting broke up.