NEW RAILWAY TARIFF.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17568, 19 June 1925, Page 13

NEW RAILWAY TARIFF.

PROPOSALS BEFORE MINISTER. SOUTH ISLAND EXPRESSES. (Special to tho “ Star.’’) WELLINGTON. Juno 18. Proposals for revision of the railway tariff have been submitted by the Railway Board to the Minister of Railways, who is circulating copies among representative bodies of railway users for their criticism. It has not yet been found possible to make an explanation of tho proposed changes, as the tariff is complex, but it is understood that when timber millers and local authorities which use the railways for haulage of road metal liaro seen what th*» board proposes they will make representations' to the Government. The tariff, ib is officially explained, is not in final shape, not having received approval of Cabinet at the present stage Tho Railway Department has decided to revert to the former winter services between Christchurch. Dunedin and In rercargill by withdrawing tho tlirouga expresses between Invercargill and Christchurch on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Prime Minister in announcing the change, states that a very full return had been furnished him in con nection with the volume cf traffic on the Christchurch-lnvercargill expresses since the accelerated service came into operation on Mav 11. “It will be remembered,” said Mr Coates, “that I decided in April to retain the daih express service in order to see what the effect of tho improved service would be. Passenger traffic, I an. sorry to say. does not justify furth*. retention of the daily service, and aftei fully discussing the matter with th° board, Divisional Superintendent and i other transport officers xz has been dei cided to withdraw the through ex- | presses on Wednesdays and Fridays j retaining the present service between Christchurch and Invercargill and Jn vercargill and Christchurch on Mon days, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satur days. The Christchurcb-Dunedin and Dunedin-Invercargill mail trains will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as hitherto. The running of the Christchurch-lnvercargill express on Mondays is a considerable improvement on last year’s winter time-table, and will be a very convenient service for passengers arriving bv the ferrv steamer from the North Island on Sunday mornings, as well as for travellers and others desiring to leave Christchurch earlier on Monday morning. A very close tally will be kept of passenger traffic during the winter months Steps will be taken to restore the full dailv service as soon as it is warranted by the passenger traffic offering.”