THE RAILWAYS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18365, 24 April 1925, Page 18

THE RAILWAYS.

ACCELERATED SERVICES.

HEAVY LOCAL TRAFFIC.

In Tuesday's issue of "The Press" particulars were furnished by the Hon. J, G. Ooates in connexion with ttorth and South Island" Main Trunk services. The accelerated time-table already arranged for tho service between lavcrcargill and Christchurch, ho said, would probably come into operation on May 9th, and tho daily service would be retained in the meantime. The position would bo closely watehed until the end of May and then reviewed, with the object of deciding as to what would meet requirements for tho remaining winter months. Enquiries at the local traffic office, yesterday disclosed that everything was, in train for the arrangement, but ;-w official notification had yet been received. The office etfp«cts to receive advice regarding tho matter at any moment.

The freight traffic on the West Coast lino is keeping up well, and is averaging 1400 tons a day. There have been: no signs whatever at a falling off. Shipping is very heavy at Lyttelton at the present time, and overtime is being worked in the Sheds and yards. There are several gangs on tho job, and ten steamers are discharging and two taking in cargo, which is mostly of a general nature, and is coming into Christchurch. Shipping is also exceedingly busy on tho West Coast at the present time, large quantities of timber being handled. The electric signalling apparatus between Addington and Qreymouth has boen in operation for about a month, and is working satisfactorily. It is found to be better than the tablet systom, as the trains automatically, signal themselves.

With regard to the motor rail eoaches, a number are running in Wellington, but so far as Christchurch is concerned they are a doad letter at present. It is expected thtit Mr G. S. Lvnde, who has been appointed Chief Mechanical Engineer of the New Zealand Eailways in succession to Mr E. E. Gillon, retired, will go into this matter. As a result of representations made to tho Railway Department by the Railway Committee of the Canterbury Progress League, the 'Department has agreed to install electric lights in all railway stations and railway houses where current from Lake Coleridge is available. The installations will be made in the order of urgency. Tho Department is at present unable to supply definite dates on which the work wi'll be J p o.L i f hand > and a * 261 stations and 800 houses will be dealt with the work will be costly.