THE RAILWAY POSITION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12687, 8 July 1919, Page 4

THE RAILWAY POSITION.

DEPUTATION TO WELLINGTON.

The report prepared by the executive appointed to inquire into the distrihu-. tion of railway services in Canterbury wa,s submitted to a meeting of the committee held in the City Counqil Chambers yesterday. The Mayor (Dr Thacker) presidedIn his opening remarks the Mayor said that he hoped to have the coal from the West Coast in Christchurch on the following day. He had a telegram from the man who was managing the municipal coal supply on the West Coast, _ which stated that everything was going on well, there being .no shortage of labour. Hr Thacker then dealt with the report.

Mr H. Holland moved that a committee of citizens should he appointed to assist the Railway Department during the period of restricted railway service, the committee, if appointed, to be known as the Citizens’ Railway Transport Committee. The motion was carried. It was decided that the committee should consist of nine members—the Mayor and two members each representing commerce, industry, labour and agriculture. It was further resolved that the Government be asked to provide a central _ office in the city, also a railway official to act as secretary to the committee. and such other clerical help as might he found necessary. Mr W. Goss moved that for the purpose of delivery of goods from, Lyttelton, Addington and Riccarton should be treated as Christchurch. The motion was seconded by Mr Frostick and earned.

It was resolved that the Government should he requested to supply as many waggon huts as may he needed for men who are willing to ■ work in the Coal mines in the Canterbury district.

After dealing with other clauses in tiie report, it. was decided that a deputation. consisting of the Mayor, Messrs J. A. Frostick. A. W. Jamieson, F. M. Robson, P. Davidson, A. F. Drayton, G. Wittv, M.P.. L M. laitt, M.P.. and J. M’Comhs, M.P., should visit Wellington and wait on the General Manager of Railways and the Minister o£ Mines on Wednesday morning to discuss the situation.

-It was further decided that the deputation should he asked to report as to the results of their interview at a meeting to he held at 3 p-m. On Thursday.