DECISION STANDS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 174, 25 July 1942, Page 6

DECISION STANDS

PLEASURE TRAVEL

MR. SEMPLE ON GROWLERS

"Whether they growl or not the decision stands," said the Minister of Transport, Mr. Semple, when referring to-day to what he termed the grousers who were criticising the Railway Department for imposing travelling restrictions for distances of over 100 miles. "It is absolutely necessary to have these restrictions,"' he added. "The railways are doing more work than ever before. Road services both for passengers and goods have been curtailed, and the railways have to shoulder an extra burden. The rails are also being used for other purposes well-known to the public.

"Railwaymen numbering 6500 are in the armed forces, and there is a shortage of skilled men. Engine drivers are working almost 60 hours a week, and the coal position, as will be seen by yesterday's conference, is causing concern. Men are working overtime in the Railway Department, and we have had to train women to fill many of the positions formerly held by men. Never before have the railways rendered such useful service. Pleasure travel to a large extent has to be stopped. Those who have to be inconvenienced must realise that they must make some sacrifice so that those who have legitimate business to transact at a distance may be accommodated. The boys fighting at the front are not having any pleasure jaunts."