RESTRICTED TRAIN SERVICES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22789, 13 January 1944, Page 3

RESTRICTED TRAIN SERVICES

May Commence On Monday Depleted Coal Stocks Sequel To Trouble In Mines (N.Z.P.AJ WELLINGTON, Jan. 12. In view of the serious position which has arisen through the depletion of railway coal stocks during the holiday period, and on account of the present industrial trouble in the mines in the Greymouth area, it will be necessary to impose severe restrictions on railway services, both passenger and goods, commencing from Monday next. Announcing this to-day, the Minister of Railways (the Hon. R. Semple) pointed out that there had been practically no coal production for the last three weeks, and, consequently there had been a big drain on stocks of coal held by the Railway Department at various depots. Even at present it was necessary to transfer coal from depot to depot in order to keep the services running. Should the industrial position improve during the week the matter of the curtailment of the services will be further reviewed with a view to avoiding inconvenience if it is at all possible, but it was considered advisable to make the position known to the public in order to reduce inconvenience and hardship to the minimum. The practice of issuing permits for passenger travel and the restrictions on non-perishable goods traffic, which were put into operation in September. 1942, would require to be reimposed, and would be applied to both the North and South Island systems. It was with great regret that the decision to restrict the services had been reached, but this action was absolutely necessary in order that the essential transport work of the country could be carried out during the present coal shortage. Permits Required If the restrictions on railway travel were necessary, they would be similar to those imposed in September, 1942, when the Waikato miners were on strike, said the Assistant General Manager of Railways (Mr J. Sawers) to-day. That meant that the Limited expresses between Wellington and Auckland would be cut out and only ordinary expresses would run on the Main Trunk line each day.

Broadly speaking, there would be one express one way daily on the other main lines, making three return trips weekly. For example, there would be one way expresses each day on the New Plymouth, Napier and Rotorua lines.

Permits would be required for journeys in excess of 50 miles, as hitherto, said Mr Sawers. but ths restrictions would not apply to suburban railway traffic. Last time the restrictions were imposed they applied to the North Island only, but, if reimposed. they would be universal and would apply to both Islands. It would be possible to say definitely by Friday whether the restrictions were to be enforced or not.