OHAI RAILWAY BOARD.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18370, 1 May 1925, Page 8

OHAI RAILWAY BOARD.

OPENING OF NEW LINE,

HON. J. G. COATES PERFORMS CEREMONY. (WBS9 ASSOCIATION TWEOMM.) INVERCARGILL, April 30. The Minister of Railways (the Hon. J. G. Coates) to-day performed the ceremony of opening the 13 miles of railway constructed by the Ohai Railway Board, which was the first body of ,ita kind' to be incorporated under the Local Railways Act, 1914.' The line runs from the main Government line at Wairio, through a part of Nightcaps to Ohai, and Birchwood, the centre of what promises to be an extensive mining industry, largo deposits of coal having been proved in the immediate vicinity. A special train, conveying about 600 guests of the Board, including. the Hon, J, G, Coates, tho Hon. . G. J. Anderson and Sir Joseph "Ward, left Invercargill in the morning, and) on arrival at Reeds siding, 42 miles distant from tho town, were welcomed by Mr A. W. Roger, chairman of the Board. , Mr Coates referred to the occasion | as .unique in tho history of New Zealand, as that was the first line constructed under the special legislation of 1914 ami its undertaking showed tho confidence of the people in the great natural resources of the district. The lino, thanks to tho large increase in tho coal output, had been constructed without a special rate on, the settlers being collected. The achievement was ono that reflected to Che" credit of the Board, whose offioienoy ho commended. Regarding tho railways generally, he said that many factors had operated against tho successful running of the system during the past twelve months, and at the end of the year there was a deficit, approximately, of £78,000 on a 3J por cent, basis. During the year £BO,OOO had been paid into the superannuation fund, and a larger amount would be required next year, but after that it would gradually get smaller. The recent epidemic had resulted in a loss of approximately half a million passenger fares, and a drop in revenue of approximately £IOO,OOO when compared with the revenue obtained during the corresponding period last year. The strike had also caused a loss, approximately, of £150,000. Taking these factors into consideration, the railways showed a wonderful improvement, and he hoped for a much better improvement next year. The object of the Department would be to cater for every legitimate requirement of the community. He wished the new line a prosperous run, and hoped it would bring about wide industrial development in the district. The Hon. G. J. Anderson also spoke, referring particularly to tho Safety in Mines Bill now on the stocks to make electric lighting compulsory. He hoped it would be passed next session. He hoped that the co-operative system which had started on the West Coast would largely expand and become generally adopted throughout New Zealand. Sir Joseph Ward added his congratulations on the completion of the railway. Referring to tho re-introduc-tion of tho gold standard, he said that it would considerably reduce the rate of exchange, and thereby mean increased returns for all. Mr F. W. Furkert, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, hoped that the example of the Board in building the railway out of revenue and thus avoiding going on the market for a loan, would be largely copied, as selfreliance was desirable in New Zealand. After other speeches, Mrs W. Macalister cut the ribbons and Mr Coates, amid eheers, declared the line open. Mr Coates was presented with a silver pick and shovel on a small silver railway line, mounted on a greenstone base, as A memento of the occasion. • The Monowai electric scheme will be officially opened by Mr Coates to-mor-row, and a banquet to celebrate both events will bo held in Invercargill in the evening -