EFFECTIVE ON MONDAY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22791, 15 January 1944, Page 4

EFFECTIVE ON MONDAY

Railway Restrictions

Curtailment In South Island

(N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 14. The Minister for Railways (the Hon. R. Semple) announced today that a further review has been made of the coal position as affecting the railway service, and although there has been a partial resumption of work at the coal mines it will be necessary to impose rail restrictions throughout the South Island as from next Monday. The coal position, so far as the railways are concerned, in the North Island is somewhat better than in the South Island, and it is not proposed to introduce restrictions in the North Island in the meantime, but this may be necessary later should the coal position deteriorate. The Minister appeals to the people generally throughout the country to refrain from unnecessary travel at this juncture in order that normal rail services throughout the Dominion may be restored as soon as possible. Restriction Of Carriage Of Certain Goods (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 14. The Railways Department stated to-day that the restrictions in the South Island on rail traffic would mean that permits would be required for journeys of 50 miles or more. The express services would be curtailed, and there would be some restriction on the carriage of certain commodities. New Reservations Necessary VALID REASONS FOR TRAVELLING "All reservations have been cancelled after to-morrow,’ explained Mr A. W. I. Miller. Timaru stationmaster, when interviewed last night. Fresh reservations must be made and valid reasons must be given as to the necessity for travelling. A permit would also have to be obtained by any person desiring to travel more than 50 miles. The proposed restrictions would be similar to those imposed in 1942. during the Waikato coal miners’ strike.” Questioned if there had been any increase in the number of bookings, Mr Miller replied that there had been an exceptionally large number of people using the trains over the Christmas holiday period. The trains were still full, but there were still many holidaymakers in Timaru who had not yet returned to their homes. Mr Miller said the Railways Department regretted having to bring these restrictions into force, especially during a holiday period, but it was compelled to do so owing to a serious shortage of coal. The services would resume normal operation as soon as the position had improved.